The Effect of Hospital-Based Childbirth Classes on Birth Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Perinatal Studies

Background:

• Childbirth preparation classes are widely recommended for expectant mothers.
• Evidence on the impact of these classes on specific birth outcomes in nulliparous women requires further investigation.
• Understanding the influence of preparation classes is crucial for optimizing maternal and infant care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of a hospital-based childbirth preparation class on birth outcomes.
• To compare outcomes between nulliparous women who attended preparation classes and a matched control group.
• To analyze changes in outcomes pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design involving 222 nulliparous women.
• Matching participants who attended childbirth preparation classes with a control cohort who did not.
• Analysis of birth outcomes including mode of delivery, induction rates, preterm birth, length of stay, and time from hospital arrival to birth.

Main Results:

• Women in the intervention group were significantly more likely to have a vaginal birth.
• A significant reduction in the time between hospital arrival and birth was observed for the intervention group.
• No significant differences were found in elective induction, preterm birth, or length of stay between groups.
• The control group showed a significant increase in elective induction rates after the COVID-19 pandemic onset.

Conclusions:

• Hospital-based childbirth preparation classes can positively influence birth outcomes, particularly increasing the likelihood of vaginal birth for nulliparous women.
• The classes may contribute to a more efficient labor process, indicated by a shorter time to birth after hospital arrival.
• Further research is warranted to explore long-term impacts and the influence of external factors like the pandemic on birth interventions.