Exploring the Relationship Between Childbirth Expectations and Fear Among Primigravida Women in Saudi Arabia

Background Childbirth is a significant life event that is accompanied by fear, particularly among primigravida mothers. However, little is known about the expectations and fears of childbirth of primigravida women in Saudi Arabia. Aim This study aimed to explore expectations and fears of childbirth among primigravidas. Methods An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 369 primigravidas was conducted at antenatal outpatient clinics at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Results In the current study, most participants were aged 25-34 years 204 (55.3%), married 355 (96.2%), and had secondary or higher education 279 (75.6%). A majority of participants 265 (71.8%) reported financial difficulties and 244 unplanned pregnancies (66.1%), while most were pregnant beyond 30 weeks 254 (66.4%). The results showed that the mean total score on the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) fear of childbirth scale was 57.56, indicating moderate levels of fear on average among primigravida women, with the highest subscale score for the moment of birth. The mean total score on the Childbirth Expectations Questionnaire (CEQ) childbirth expectations scale was 108.15, also indicating moderate expectations on average, with other significant expectations having the highest subscale score. A significant negative correlation was found between the fear and expectations scales (r=-0.775, p<0.001). Sociodemographic factors such as older age, higher education, income, employment, and planned pregnancy were associated with higher expectations and lower fear, whereas younger age, lower education, income, employment, unplanned pregnancy, and medical issues were associated with higher fear. Conclusions The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the expectations and fears of childbirth of primigravida women in Saudi Arabia. The results could inform healthcare providers and policymakers about the predictors of fear and effective interventions to reduce fear and improve birth experience in primiparous women.