Comparison of Childbirth Experiences and Postpartum Depression in Three Groups of Primiparous Women with no Participation, Irregular Participation and Regular Participation in Childbirth Preparation Classes

Abstract

Background Assessment of women’s childbirth experience is an important indicator of maternal care systems. Positive childbirth experiences improve mothers’ health, whereas negative childbirth experiences can cause psychological stresses and, in extreme cases, may lead to postpartum depression. This study compared childbirth experiences and postpartum depression levels in three groups of primiparous women with no participation, irregular participation, and regular participation in childbirth preparation classes. Methods In this cohort study, 204 primiparous women at 35-37 weeks of gestation were selected using cluster sampling from the health centers of Tabriz, Iran. The participants were assigned to three groups of no participation, irregular participation (attending 1-3 sessions), and regular participation (attending 4-8 sessions) in childbirth preparation classes. Interviews were conducted one month after delivery to complete the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The general linear model (GLM) was used to compare childbirth experience and postpartum depression among groups. Results Based on the general linear model, the mean score of childbirth experience in women in the regular participation group was significantly higher than those of women in irregular participation (P= 0.032) and in no participation (P<0.001) groups. In addition, the mean score of postpartum depression was significantly lower in women in the regular participation group than that of the women in the no participation group (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the regular and irregular participation groups in terms of postpartum depression levels (P= 0.257). Conclusion Prenatal training classes improved childbirth experience and reduced postpartum depression levels. These training classes seem to improve mothers’ health by increasing their knowledge and awareness of their abilities to endure labor pain. Ethical Code IR.TBZMED.REC.1398.066