Predictors of Fear Related to Childbirth among Iranian Primigravidae

Fears related Pregnancy-and childbirth are common psychological concerns and the main reasons for requesting cesarean section (CS). The current study aimed at describing the association between fear of childbirth and social, demographic and psychological factors and examines the predictors of maternal fear in a 342 healthy primigravidae women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study, the participants (n=342 primigravidae) was randomly selected in 12 health care centers in Iran. The data was obtained by valid and reliable self-administered questionnaires that included questions on socio-demographic, psychological characteristics (self esteem, perceived stress, quality of marital relationship, perceived social support), fear related to childbirth and childbirth and analyzed by SPSS19. All primigravidae reported some degree of fear, i.e., 48.2% presented severe fear, and 62.6% requested a CS because of childbirth-related fear. Age, employment, level of education and medical insurance were associated with fear related to childbirth, as well as plan of pregnancy, self esteem and perceived stress. In combination, HBM subscales and the psychosocial factors accounted for a significant 68% of the variability in fear related to childbirth, R2=0.68, adjusted R2=0.67, F(12, 326)=69.4, p<0.001. Fears related to pregnancy and childbirth was frequently experienced by all low-risk primigravidae. Better strategies to address women’s psychological needs during pregnancy are necessary.