Role Pregnancy Classes Effects on the Level of Anxiety and the Choice of Delivery in Pregnant Women to Semnan Clinics

Abstract

Background and Aims Pregnancy is a situational crisis and in poor-managed cases, the resulting stress is great for the mother and her relatives. This study aimed to examine the effects of pregnancy classes on pregnant women. Methods This was a descriptive-correlational research. In this study, 80 pregnant women were selected from Semnan clinics, Semnan, Iran and entered the study. At first, their anxiety was assessed with the questionnaire and then they were participated in pregnancy classes. These classes were held for 8 sessions of 1.5 hours each. After the end of the eighth session, the participants completed the questionnaire again. The study questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic characteristics, the Spielberger anxiety inventory, and the type of delivery selection. The data were analyzed by paired t test and Chi-square test in SPSS. Results The Paired t test showed significant decrease in anxiety Mean±SD score in pregnant women from 86.7±5.17 before the study to 72.5±7.54 after the intervention (P˂0.001). The Chi-square test revealed that before the study, 68.4% of the pregnant women chose a normal vaginal delivery, but after completing the study, this rate reached 82.3% that was a significant decrease (P˂0.001). Conclusion Pregnancy classes can reduce the anxiety and increase the choice of normal vaginal delivery in pregnant women. Considering the effectiveness of pregnancy classes, especially with regard to its resulting positive mental concepts, special attention should be paid to hold these classes for pregnant women.

Keywords

• pregnancy period
• pregnancy classes
• anxiety
• type of delivery