ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PRENATAL EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS CHILDBIRTH IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

The authors used a quantitative cross-sectional study to investigate factors that could play a role in attitudes towards childbirth. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of previous birth experiences on subsequent pregnancy. The focus of the study was on the perceptions of those who had already experienced childbirth. The focus was on how women who have already given birth and are currently pregnant perceive childbirth and how their previous birth experience is reflected in their preparation for the next birth. The questionnaire was completed by 242 pregnant women who had already given birth, with an average age of 32.5 years (±4.63 years). The largest proportion of pregnant women in the sample were in their third trimester (45.04%). The authors used sociocultural factors (age, education, place of residence), obstetric history, previous mode and circumstances of delivery, as well as satisfaction with delivery and current characteristics of pregnancy. The following thoughts, opinions and feelings about childbirth were explored using the Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire. The results indicate that the type and location of the previous birth are strongly associated with satisfaction with the birth and attitudes towards the next birth. With regard to the attitudes of the pregnant women in the study towards childbirth, it can be seen that attitudes towards childbirth in relation to fear are strongly influenced by the type of previous birth. Pregnant women who have a lower fear of childbirth prefer a natural birth.