The effect of prenatal education course on cesarean section rate: A review study

Background and Aim : Pregnancy is one of the most important stages in the life of women that isassociated with physical, psychological and social changes. Because it is important and necessary for thepregnant women to adapt to these new changes, Maternity Preparedness classes has been designed.Therefore, this study was performed to determine the effect of Maternal Preparation Classes on cesareansection rate.Methods : In this review study, data were collected using keywords Childbirth, Prenatal preparation,classes and cesarean in PubMed, SID, Google Scholar, Scopus databases in the timeframe 2010 to 2019.Finally 21 articles were reviewed.Results : the most of participating mothers in preparation classes had normal delivery (about 80%). theseclasses control the fear and anxiety of pregnant women during pregnancy and childbirth, reduce perceivedstress, increase maternal self-esteem and skills, improve social support and relationship/ maternalsatisfaction and early breastfeeding, increase self-efficacy and adapting to delivery, correct irrationalbeliefs, reduce epithiotomy and duration of hospitalization. Also it change mothers attitudes towardchildbirth and consequently reduce cesarean section and its complications. Studies show that the classesdon’t affect on infant care.Conclusion : It is recommended that mothers be encouraged to participate in childbirth preparation classesas well as to conduct this course in health-care centers more widely. Regarding to prenatal classes withoutpsychological content don’t have benefit for psychological outcomes, it is suggested to pay special attentionto maternal mental health in the classes.

Keywords:

Childbirth , Prenatal preparation , classes , cesarean