Background Nowadays, the presence of husbands during the childbirth process is regarded as an important factor that can contribute to lower rate of the C-section, better success of physiologic delivery and higher satisfaction in childbirth experience. The global rise in mothers’ tendency toward C-section has urged health policymakers to look for various ways to encourage mothers to give natural birth, including the presence of husbands during the childbirth. Considering the special sociocultural characteristics of the Iranian society, this method requires accurate assessment to be practical and effective. Objective The aim of this research was finding out how husbands perceive the environmental and physical characteristics of delivery spaces via studying these physical characteristics, exploring them through husbands’ perception and finally discovering the mechanism behind formation of this perception. Study Design: First, the conceptual model of the study was developed after a review of the physiologic childbirth literature. Then, a research questionnaire was designed and distributed among 56 husbands who recently had the experience of accompanying their wives during physiologic childbirth. Results The results showed that light, color and temperature play a significant role in husbands’ perception of delivery spaces under the special psychological conditions and stress that they experience during the childbirth. Designer should pay due attention to these three factors when designing the structure of childbirth spaces. Conclusion Promoting the environmental quality of the physiologic delivery room based on husband's perception can help mothers and medical staff better manage childbirth pain which is an integral part of natural childbirths.

Aim This research aims to study the role of environmental parameters in encouraging Iranian mothers to have physiologic childbirth by controlling pain and labor management based on their perception. Background With the increase of cesarean sections all over the world, researchers have become more interested in the mental mechanisms which affect mothers' tendency toward cesarean sections. Studies have indicated that many environmental factors have an impact on relieving the pain and fear of laboring mothers. Methods The comparisons made here, based on the existing literature about environmental factors and mothers' perception of these factors, have led to a re-reading of this subject. Thus a research project was carried out, using a structured questionnaire for the exploratory factor analysis methodology selected. Results The results indicate that the most important environmental factors which can encourage Iranian women toward physiologic delivery are "objective quality of life of delivery room (Eigenvalue of 7.400)", "attractive environmental stimuli (Eigenvalue of 4.267)", "environmental healthcare and physical health (Eigenvalue of 3.126)", "friendly atmosphere (Eigenvalue of 2.596)", "environmental vitality (Eigenvalue of 2.375)", "environmental privacy (Eigenvalue of 1.866)" and "tangible technology (Eigenvalue of 1.689)". Conclusion Considering that these factors play a substantial role, the study of mothers' perception of childbirth spaces is necessary. Promoting the environmental quality of the delivery room and using architectural solutions such as interior design and the general configuration can help mothers, husbands and medical staff better manage childbirth and thus have a positive impact on the rates of physiologic delivery.