Effect of antenatal education on fear of childbirth, mental health, and perceived stress in primigravid pregnant women: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the impact of antenatal education on fear of childbirth, mental well-being, and perceived stress in primigravid pregnant women. METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial conducted on primigravid women with a score of 85 or above on the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) between October 2022 and October 2023. The pregnant women were randomized to either the antenatal education group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 50). The antenatal education group received a 6-week antenatal education program consisting of 90-minute sessions each week, delivered by certified midwives and a clinical psychologist. Both groups were compared for fear of childbirth, perceived stress, social support, and mental well-being before starting the education, after the education (between 20 and 36 weeks), and 6–8 weeks postpartum. The study followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. RESULTS: It was found that the antenatal education group experienced significantly less fear of childbirth, improved mental health, increased social support, and decreased perceived stress compared to the control group (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Antenatal education may be beneficial in alleviating the fear of childbirth, improving mental health, and reducing stress symptoms during and after childbirth. Therefore, it may be worth considering routine implementation of antenatal education as a standard component of prenatal care. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials; ID: NCT05584618; Date: 13.10.2022; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05584618 .