Effectiveness of childbirth classes in reducing anxiety before birth depending on age and education

Introduction: Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most special moments in women’s lives, but are sometimes associated with negative emotions. In many cases, the fear of childbirth leads to a request to perform a caesarean section.

Aim of the research: To evaluate the subjective opinion on the perceived fear of childbirth and the effectiveness of participation in childbirth classes depending on the age and education of women surveyed.

Material and methods: The questionnaire study included 125 women in the antepartum period involved in antenatal classes. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ² test.

Results: Women aged 40 and older felt the most fear of childbirth. Those with secondary education were least afraid of childbirth. Those with vocational and higher education had the greatest fear. Women of all ages in the majority were wholly or partly satisfied with participating in Lamaze classes. However, a large percentage of the group of 20–30 years and over 40 years could not use in practice the knowledge and skills gained during the course. The level of education statistically significantly contributed to applying in practice the knowledge and skills obtained in the Lamaze classes.

Conclusions: There was a relationship between age and education of women and fear of childbirth. Education differentiates ability to apply in practice the knowledge and skills learned in Lamaze classes. Despite the benefits of participation in the course, one should pay more attention to skills training and implementation of the acquired knowledge and skills.