Perceptions of fear of childbirth and the needs for mindfulness-based intervention among Chinese women planned for normal birth: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common experience for pregnant women, leading to both physiological and psychological consequences. Mindfulness-based intervention is a potential approach to addressing FOC, yet the perceptions and needs of Chinese women regarding this intervention remain unexplored.

Aim

To explore Chinese women’s perceptions of FOC, and the needs for developing mindfulness-based interventions.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women in their third trimester or within six weeks postpartum, all were planning for or had a normal birth. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo version 12 for data management and analysis.

Findings

Thirty participants, including 15 antenatal and 15 postnatal women, were recruited. Overall, FOC was common among pregnant women, with labour-related pain being the primary source. Due to FOC, some women hold catastrophic beliefs about normal birth and express a preference for caesarean section without medical indication or request an epidural analgesia before experiencing the pain, indicating the needs to address FOC. Regarding mindfulness-based intervention, limited knowledge has emerged as the primary barrier to adoption. All four participants who were familiar with mindfulness expressed positive attitudes towards the intervention.

Conclusion

This study highlights the substantial needs for mindfulness-based interventions to address FOC, thereby improving women’s overall childbirth experience. Future interventions should be developed to address these needs.