Abstract

COSTA, Raquel; PACHECO, Alexandra  and  FIGUEIREDO, Bárbara. Emotional anticipation and experience of childbirth. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.1, pp.15-35. ISSN 1645-0086.

This study aims to analyze women’s anticipation and emotional experience of labor and childbirth of the first child. Additionally, it was our intention to examine the association between anticipation of childbirth and the real experience of childbirth. One hundred and ninety seven primiparous women, aged between 15 and 39 years old participated in this study. After signing an informed consent, a social and demographical questionnaire was fulfilled as well as the Anticipation of Childbirth Questionnaire (QAP, Costa, Figueiredo, Pacheco, Marques, & Pais, 2005) in the 2^nd trimester of pregnancy. In the first week after childbirth these women were contacted again in order to fulfill the Childbirth Experience and Satisfaction Questionnaire (QESP, Costa, Figueiredo, Pacheco, Marques, & Pais, 2005). The results show that birth planning is beneficial for women in terms of fear, pain and concerns regarding the newborn during childbirth. The implementation of measures to promote information, emotional support and involvement indecision making by the health services can be of high value to enhance parent’s experiences.

Keywords : Anticipation of Childbirth; Childbirth Experience; Childbirth.

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