查看文章

Aim.  To investigate pre‐ and postpartum levels of childbirth fear in a cohort of childbearing women and explore the relationship to birth outcomes.

Background.  While results are mixed, there is evidence that fear of childbirth is associated with mode of birth. Limited theoretical work around childbirth fear has been undertaken with Australian women.

Design.  A prospective correlation design.

Method.  Women (n = 401) completed the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W‐DEQ) version A at 36 weeks gestation, with 243 (61%) women also completing version B at six weeks postpartum. Scores were summarised with means and standard deviations. Content analysis of the free statements identified nine issues of concern.

Results.  Twenty‐six per cent of pregnant women reported low levels of childbirth fear, 48% were moderately fearful and 26% were highly fearful. Fear decreased after birth …