Effects of Psycho-education Interventions on Perceived Childbirth Fear and Anxiety by Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Phobia of natural childbirth is one of the most important and influencing factors leading women to request cesarean sections. The present study aimed to prepare a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the type of interventions related to fear of childbirth (FOC).

The data collection was based on an extensive search of articles related to clinical trials (1990-2019) posted on Google Scholar, Cochran, SID, Magiran, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed electronic databases. In general, 109 abstracts were selected after eliminating similar publications. As a result of the qualitative evaluations of these articles, 11 studies were kept for investigation.

The studies were categorized into three groups including prenatal education with childbirth counseling, yoga courses, and psychoeducational-based interventions. Based on the meta-analysis, psychoeducational interventions have a significant effect on childbirth fears and anxiety in comparison with the control group (mean difference: 0.85, 95% CI: -1.20–0.45, P < 0.0001, I2 = 82%).

Psychologically-based interventions, can creatively play an essential role in reducing the FOC during pregnancy and even childbirth. It can also create a pleasant and traumatic-free experience which is essential for encouraging women to have a natural childbirth