Assessment of Women’s Expectations and Experiences during Childbirth

Shaban Mohammed, Eman; Metwally Mohamed, Sabah; Fatthy, Amal

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2019.251020

Assessment of Women’s Expectations and Experiences during Childbirth

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Sc. Nursing Sciences 2004 Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt.

² Professor of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt.

³ Lecturer of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2019.251020

Abstract

Background: The effects of a birth experience can be positive and empowering, or negative and
traumatizing. Nurses, midwives and obstetricians require a deep understanding of the emotional aspects
of childbirth in order to meet the emotional and psychosocial needs of laboring women. Aim of the
Study: The study aimed to assess the women's expectations and experiences during childbirth. Research
Design: a descriptive design utilized in carrying out this study. Setting: The study conducted at the
antenatal clinic and at postnatal room, Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Sample: Convenient
sample, sample was 500 pregnant women. Tools: (I) A structured interview questionnaire sheet assess
socio-demographic characteristics of the study sample include age, education level, occupation, place of
residence, and phone number. Moreover, to asses obstetric history of study sample includes previous
pregnancy and delivery, parity, previous pregnancy outcome, type of delivery, number of abortions, and
place of the previous delivery. It has involved information about present pregnancy as gestational age;
any complications with a previous pregnancy, antenatal follow up, (II) the expectations of childbirth
experience questionnaire, (III) the expectations of nursing support during labor and birth and (IV)
childbirth experience questionnaire. Results: 62.6% of the studied sample was had negative
expectations toward childbirth. 58.3% of the studied sample was had negative expectations toward
nursing support.62.6% of the studied sample was had negative experiences toward childbirth.
Conclusion: It was found that, slightly two thirds of the studied sample were had negative expectations
toward childbirth. More than half of the studied sample were had negative expectations toward nursing
support. In addition to the slightly two-thirds of the studied sample were had negative experiences toward
childbirth. Also, there was highly significant correlation between total childbirth expectations score, total
nurse expectations score of studied sample & their total childbirth experiences. Recommendation: The
study recommended with conducting an educational programs to expectant mothers about what actually
happens during labor.

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