The effect of interventions in vaginal birth on fear of childbirth: A multicentre study.

Aim: This cross‐sectional multicentre study aimed to determine the effect of interventions during vaginal birth for fear of childbirth. Methods: In this cross‐sectional and analytical study, 852 women who had a vaginal birth between 2019 and 2020 were enrolled. Data were collected using the Descriptive Questionnaire and Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale Version B. Results: The mean total Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale Version B score of the women was 97.00 ± 24.24, indicating severe and clinical levels of fear of childbirth. Moreover, 69.4% of the women had clinical, 18.6% had severe and 12% had moderate levels of fear of childbirth. During birth, women who had close supporters, who were allowed to move and who did not undergo amniotomy, enema, perineal shaving and electronic foetal monitoring had a low level of fear of childbirth. As the number of pregnant women in the labour room, frequency of vaginal examinations, duration of delivery/hour, severity of labour pain and negative perception of the approach of health professionals increased, the women's fear of childbirth increased. Fear of childbirth decreased as the frequency of antenatal follow‐ups, number of births and satisfaction levels of the women increased (p < 0.05). Low income perception, irregular prenatal follow‐up, severe labour pain and a long duration of labour were strong predictors of increased fear of childbirth. Increasing number of births, high birth satisfaction level and positive perception of the approach of health professionals were strong predictors of reduced fear of childbirth. Conclusions: The reduction of interventions in vaginal delivery and support from health care providers during delivery can be effective in reducing fear of childbirth. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a problem experienced by most women.Sociodemographic characteristics and past experiences can increase FOC.Birth interventions are common as the majority of births in Turkey take place in health institutions. What does this paper add? Women who have vaginal births appear to have severe and clinical levels of fear of childbirth. Multiparity, mobilization, high birth satisfaction and positive approaches by health care providers are strong predictors of reduced FOC.Enema, amniotomy and fundal pressure application, high‐intensity labour pain and a long duration of labour are strong predictors of increased FOC. The implications of this study: Many current routine interventions during childbirth should be avoided.The reduction of interventions in vaginal birth and support from health professionals during labour can be effective in reducing fear of childbirth and negative consequences related to FOC, as well as helping to achieve non‐invasive vaginal deliveries.It is recommended that hospitals be organized in line with the criteria of mother‐friendly hospitals, health professionals be trained and the environments in which women give birth be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]