The application of a continuous partnership-based birth plan in China: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• High cesarean section rates in China (36.7%) exceed the Asian average (27%).
• The implementation of family planning policies increases risks for women undergoing repeat cesareans.
• The effectiveness of birth plans in underdeveloped regions with limited medical resources remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a continuous partnership-based birth plan on birth outcomes and maternal experience.
• To assess the efficacy of this intervention in Haikou, an economically underdeveloped city in China.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 90 primiparous women.
• Participants were allocated to either routine care or a continuous partnership-based birth plan intervention.
• Key indicators analyzed included cesarean section rates, non-medical indication cesarean rates, oxytocin use, perineal resection, and anxiety levels.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly lower cesarean rates (20.45% vs. 57.14%) and non-medical indication cesarean rates (22.22% vs. 50.00%) compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in reduced anxiety levels, lower neonatal NICU transfer rates, and increased birth satisfaction in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
• No significant differences were found in oxytocin use, perineal lateral resection rates, or neonatal Apgar scores.

Conclusions:

• A continuous partnership-based birth plan effectively reduces medical interventions and improves birth outcomes.
• This approach significantly lowers maternal anxiety and enhances the overall birth experience.
• The birth plan intervention is recommended for promotion in economically underdeveloped areas of China.