Antenatal classes as a form of preparation for parenthood: analysis of benefits of participating in prenatal education

Abstract

Prenatal education in the form of antenatal classes, referred to as School of Birth in Poland, aims at preparing both pregnant women and their partners for parenthood, on theoretical and practical basis. This is achieved by providing women with information on safe pregnancy, labor and puerperium, developing healthy behaviors and preparing parents to look after the newborn/ infant. The course program covers all psychophysical issues related to pregnancy, labor, puerperium and early stages of the child's life. The objective is to strengthen the health of mothers and children, alleviate pregnancy-related anxiety and fear, decrease the number of premature births and reduce the perinatal mortality rate. However, the scope of potential advantages of Schools of Birth depends not only on individual traits of the participants, but also on the engagement of professionals who teach the courses and the type of the school.

The nutritional behavior of pregnant women attending antenatal classes and non-attendees

“…It also has a beneficial effect on the health of the mother and child both during childhood and in adulthood (Fowella, 2004; Ho et al , 2016; Ghahremani et al , 2017). Antenatal classes effectively promote more favorable health-related behaviors in preparation for childbirth and parenthood (Ferguson et al , 2013; O'Sullivan et al , 2014; Krysa et al , 2016; Suto et al , 2017). The history of childbirth training dates back to the 19th century, but for all practical purposes, antenatal classes may be considered to have begun in the middle of the 20th century (Villar et al , 2001; Al-Ateeq and Al-Risaiess, 2015).…”

“…The WHO guidelines include recommendations on health promotion, disease prevention as well as healthy nutrition during pregnancy (WHO, 2016). Many authors emphasize that antenatal classes are effective in promoting the principles of a healthy and responsible lifestyle (Spinelli et al , 2003; Gacek, 2010; Jakubiec et al , 2014; Krysa et al , 2016; Ickovics et al , 2017; Barimani et al , 2018). Despite this, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle for pregnant women is often neglected (Jaddoe, 2009; Lathrop, 2013; Benediktsson et al , 2013).…”

“…Currently, there are over 400 antenatal classes in Poland, usually associated with the obstetric wards of hospitals and foundations (Jaddoe, 2009; Krysa et al , 2016; Puszczałowska-Lizis et al , 2016; Gębicz et al , 2019). Despite the increasing number of such classes, in Poland, participation in antenatal classes is still limited to small percent of pregnant women.…”

“…Participation of pregnant women in antenatal classes is constantly growing (Spinelli et al , 2003; Jaddoe, 2009; Krysa et al , 2016). Antenatal care provides a potentially important means through which to achieve complementary goals for well-being and health through use of risk assessment, health promotion, and clinical and psychosocial interventions (Frongillo et al , 2019).…”

“…Their popularity has been growing annually, with more than 400 antenatal schools registered in the country. The majority of them are private enterprises or courses held by maternity hospitals (Krysa et al , 2016; Puszczałowska-Lizis et al , 2016; Gębicz et al , 2019). Antenatal classes include multi-directional preparation of parents not only in the field of pregnancy, childbirth and childcare but also the standard program includes issues of proper nutrition and lifestyle (Polish Gynecological Society, 2005).…”