[Prepartal expectations, behavior in labor and the puerperium and postpartal satisfaction with the labor experience. I. Significance of partner and prenatal preparation]

Attitudes and expectations of future parents towards the birth experience have changed thoroughly in the past years. In a prospective trial with 95 women we evaluated whether prepartal intentions for a common birth experience were actually carried out and what changes occurred during the past 5 years. 95 women with uncomplicated pregnancies filled in a questionnaire in the 38th week of pregnancy and several days after birth. Behavioural intentions and their realisation correlated well. The changes of attitude became evident comparing our results with those of a survey made 5 years ago in the same hospital. Depending on the social status of the couples, an increase in the participation of fathers of up to 30% was noted. 92% of the couples of social stratum B experienced childbirth together. Participation in any kind of birth preparation was comparably low and seems improvable. Women of lower social status, in particular, should be supported instead of discouraged to attend birth preparation courses.