The Effectiveness of a Prenatal Educational Programme on Fear of Childbirth Among Primigravida Women: A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test study.

Abstract

Objectives: Fear of childbirth is commonly reported among primigravida women and may negatively influence labour and birth outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured prenatal educational programme in reducing fear of childbirth among primigravida women.

Methods: A quasi-experimental single-group pretest-post-test design was conducted from January to June 2025. The study included primigravida women attending antenatal clinics in selected health centres in Muscat Governorate, Oman. No control group was included. Participants completed the baseline assessment during the third trimester (28-40 weeks of gestation) prior to the intervention. Post-intervention assessment was conducted at two weeks postpartum using the Self-Evaluation Questionnaire.

Results: A total of 79 primigravida women were included. Following the intervention, the mean fear-of-childbirth score decreased from 4.35 ± 0.63 at baseline to 1.79 ± 0.74 at 2-week postpartum follow-up, representing a mean reduction of 2.56 points (95% CI: 2.38-2.74; t = 27.8; P <0.001; Cohen's d = 3.12), indicating a statistically significant improvement after participation in the prenatal educational programme.

Conclusion: The structured prenatal educational programme was associated with a reduction of fear of childbirth among primigravida women. Incorporating such programmes into routine antenatal care may enhance maternal psychological well-being in Oman and in similar maternal health settings.