[Knowledge and expectations of childbirth in primigravidas]

The primigravida's experience of childbirth is influenced by the knowledge and expectations she has of childbirth. Her expectations of childbirth are based on the information she got from the antenatal clinic, the nursing staff, her mother, friends and family. The purpose of this research was to determine the knowledge and expectations the primigravida has of childbirth. An exploratory, descriptive design was used within the context of an academic hospital in Johanneburg. The survey method was used. The method of research firstly consisted of a literature study of the primigravida's knowledge and expectations of childbirth. This was done in order to put the problem in perspective and also to serve as a theoretical framework for the study. Secondly, a structured questionnaire was used to make a survey of the primigravida's knowledge and expectations of childbirth. From this research it is clear that the respondents had insufficient knowledge of childbirth and the handling of pain during childbirth. This insufficient knowledge can mainly be attributed to the poor attendance of antenatal preparation classes, inadequate professional counselling and the mother of the primigravida as the primary source of information on childbirth. The respondents, however, had realistic expectations with regard to their handling of labour, as well as of the role of the midwife and the doctor. From this research it is clear that a large gap exists in the primigravida's preparation for childbirth. The group participating in this research is therefore not adequately prepared for childbirth to have realistic expectations. The group must rely on the support of the midwife in the labour ward.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)