Jordanian pregnant women's expectations of their first childbirth experience

Abstract

Limited numbers of studies have addressed Jordanian women's overall views and expectations of their first childbirth experience. A descriptive design using a convenience sample of 77 primigravid women was included in the analyses out of the total sample of 99 women. Participants responded to two valid and reliable questionnaires developed for the purpose of the study: the Expectations of Childbirth Experience questionnaire and the Expectations of Nursing Support During Labor and Birth questionnaire. The majority of primigravid women in this study expected a negative first childbirth experience. Findings indicated that the majority of women expected their overall childbirth experience to be frightening, very long, too difficult and painful. The expectations of a negative childbirth experience could be explained by limited labour preparation and advice given to women. Findings also indicated that women expected inadequate nursing and midwifery support during childbirth. Health-care providers should emphasize the importance of childbirth preparation and improving the quality of intranatal care to help in changing negative childbirth expectations and experiences of Jordanian women.