Prepare Pregnant Women for Natural Childbirth: Concepts and Practice
Keywords:
Pregnant women, preparation for childbirth, natural childbirthAbstract
Abstract
Pregnancy and childbearing are usually normal physiological processes and women are inherently capable of giving birth naturally. However, caesarean section rates continue to evoke worldwide including Thailand. Elective cesarean section is associated with short and long term risks which can extend many years beyond the current delivery and affect the health of the woman, her child, and future pregnancies. Fear of childbirth is strongly associated with a preference for elective caesarean. Therefore, pregnant women should be well prepared for childbirth and enhanced confidence in their capabilities in natural childbirth. Nurse-midwives play important roles in providing care for pregnant women and promote and advocate for non-intervention in normal childbirth. Nurse-midwives should have knowledge and understanding of preparation for natural childbirth and capability to provide services to the women. The objectives of this article are to discuss concepts of natural childbirth and preparation for childbirth, and to offer some guidelines for designing childbirth education class for natural childbirth.
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