A qualitative study of childbirth fear and preparation among primigravid women: The blind spot of antenatal care in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Berlington M J Munkhondya, Tiwonge Ethel Munkhondya, Gladys Msiska and 3 others
PMID 32817853WHAT IT FOUND
Women expecting their first baby in rural Malawi wanted to become mothers but feared childbirth, especially after hearing labor ward cries, seeing deaths, and receiving little antenatal childbirth teaching.
They often kept fears silent.
Key findings
01Primigravid women described mixed feelings: they wanted to become mothers but feared childbirth, pain, complications, death, and stillbirth.
02Most childbirth preparation came from traditional counseling by elderly women, but women found it unclear, early, and insufficient, and waiting for it could delay antenatal care.
03Antenatal visits often gave little childbirth preparation; providers focused on HIV screening, abdominal checks, medications, and required items, and women or birth companions were blamed when labor was difficult.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included only two rural hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi, so the findings may not apply to other settings. Women were interviewed while staying at maternity waiting homes near labor wards, which may have made them more aware of frightening birth experiences. The study reports experiences and themes; it does not show that any childbirth preparation or psychosocial support reduces fear or improves outcomes. Participants had singleton pregnancies without obstetric complications, so the findings may not reflect higher-risk pregnancies.
Declared interests
The authors declare no competing interests. The supplied text does not name a funder.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that formal childbirth information or fear screening reduces childbirth fear or improves birth outcomes. This study reports experiences and suggestions, not a tested intervention.