Effects of Childbirth Education on Prenatal Adaptation, Prenatal and Maternal Attachment

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women’s problems in prenatal adaptation and maternal attachment negatively affect the health of the mother, family and the baby. Childbirth education may increase adaptation to pregnancy by increasing women’s self-confidence and help strengthen the bonds with their babies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of childbirth education on prenatal adaptation, prenatal and maternal attachment.
METHODS: This study was with pre/post-education, semi-experimental and prospective design. Research data were collected using the Participant Identification Form, Prenatal Self Evaluation Questionnaire, Prenatal Attachment Inventory and Maternal Attachment Inventory.
RESULTS: A total of 173 women, 90 (52.0%) in the education group and 83 (48.0%) in the control group, participated in the study. The prenatal and prenatal attachment adaptation levels of the control and education group were found to be similar before this study (p=0.770 and p=0.277, respectively). Pregnant women’s prenatal adaptation increased after education and between-group differences were significant (p<0.001). Prenatal attachment level also increased in the education group after education (p<0.001). However, prenatal and maternal attachment levels were similar between groups (p=0.171 and p=0.763, respectively).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was identified that childbirth education increased prenatal adaptation but did not affect prenatal and maternal attachment. Childbirth education routinely provided as a part of antenatal care by health professionals ensures awareness in parenting by increasing prenatal adaptation.