Antenatal education for childbirth: Labour and birth

This study aimed to identify the way information is described and presented by childbirth educators during antenatal classes for expectant parents, and analyse the language structures used when discussing labour and birth.

This cross-sectional study of antenatal education was conducted at a single tertiary referral centre for Maternity Care in Western Sydney, Australia. All childbirth educators (n=3) were recorded whilst providing information to parents during antenatal classes. Audio data were subsequently transcribed and then analysed by two researchers, independently categorising the various language structures and types of information provided. This is the second study in a series of antenatal education topics.

During the labour and birth class, information statements were the predominant language structure that was spoken with 241 of 655 statements; negative statements were the next most frequent at 119 while there were 79 positive statements. The second stage of labour had a greater proportion of negative statements for two educators, followed by information and positive statements combined. Misinformation statements were minimal for this topic however, and there was an absence of any statements discussing the rest period between contractions.

The findings further emphasise the need to examine the language used by health professionals when educating parents. Negative statements during antenatal education are still common despite research in other contexts suggesting that these are potentially unhelpful. Further research into the language and suggestions used during antenatal education is required to determine whether improved outcomes seen in other contexts are confirmed in the childbirth setting.