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Am J Perinatol 2005; 22(1): 7-9
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-837738
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Evaluation of the Impact of Birth Preparation Courses on the Health of the Mother and the Newborn

Abolfazl Mehdizadeh1 , Firuozeh Roosta1 , Shahla Chaichian2 , Reza Alaghehbandan3
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  • 3Division of Research and Development, Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Health Information, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 January 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of birth preparation courses on the health of the mother and the newborn. A randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 200 primigravid women younger than age 35 years with gestational age of 20 weeks. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: control and trial. Birth preparation classes were introduced to the trial group in eight sessions during pregnancy, whereas the control group received only routine care. Measurable clinical, obstetrical, and neonatal advantages were monitored and compared in two groups. Patients in the trial group suffered from back and pelvic pain and headache significantly less often than patients in control group (two-tailed p (2) < 0.05). Preparation is significantly related to reduction in dystocic deliveries and cesarean section (p (2) = 0.044). Antenatal preparation could play a major role in the health of mother and newborn during labor and postpartum. In addition, antenatal preparation should be introduced to all women during pregnancy as a national health policy in Iran.

KEYWORDS

Antenatal preparation - pregnancy - Iran

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Reza AlaghehbandanM.D. 

Medical Research Associate, Division of Research and Development, Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Health Information

I Crosbie Place, St. John's, NL, A1B 3Y8 Canada

Email: rezaa@nlchi.nl.ca

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