Effects of childbirth preparation classes program based on national guideline on fear of childbirth in pregnant women: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Fear of childbirth increases obstetrical interventions, and causes complications for mother and fetus and is one of the important factors affecting the increased rate of cesarean. This study was performed with aim to investigate the effects of childbirth preparation classes program on fear of normal vaginal delivery measured with Wijma Delivery-Expectancy questionnaire. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 132 nulliparous women in Sabzevar Health Centers during 2017-2018. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention group participated in childbirth preparation classes and the control group received only the routine prenatal care. Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) Version AB comparison of means showed difference between two groups (p=0.01). Conclusion: Childbirth preparation classes held in Sabzevar increased the fear of childbirth. Therefore, the content of this training course must be assessed.