The effect of antenatal education in small classes on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes - a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundThe aims of antenatal education are broad and encompass outcomes related to pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Both form and content of antenatal education have changed over time without evidence of effects on relevant outcomes. The effect of antenatal education in groups, with participation of a small number of participants, may differ from the effect of other forms of antenatal education due to, for example, group dynamic. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects of antenatal education in small groups on obstetric as well as psycho-social outcomes.MethodsBibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched. We included randomized and quasi-randomized trials irrespective of language, publication year, publication type, and publication status. Only trials carried out in the Western world were considered in this review. Studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results are presented as structured summaries of the included trials and as forest plots.ResultsWe identified 5,708 records. Of these, 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies varied greatly in content of the experimental and control condition. All outcomes were only reported in a single or a few trials, leading to limited or uncertain confidence in effect estimates. Given the heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes and also the high risk of bias of studies, we are unable to draw definitive conclusions as to the impact of small group antenatal education on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes.ConclusionsInsufficient evidence exists as to whether antenatal education in small classes is effective in regard to obstetric and psycho-social outcomes. We recommend updating this review following the emergence of well-conducted randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42013004319Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13643-015-0010-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Labor Pain: Perception of the Parturient and Midwife Evaluation

“…These results are consistent with authors that refers to the gap between the expectations of pregnant woman against the pain and the lived experience of labor pain [20]. The scientific evidence, for reasons of quality of studies does not allow even realize a cause-effect relationship between the frequency of prenatal classes and the best/worst preparation for the woman to face the pain [21]. Prenatal classes in Portugal are not pure and there is no regular model, once a mix of currents are applied.…”

Supporting perinatal women in the context of the COVID-19 emergency: can web-based antenatal education classes make it possible?

“…The classes also promote breast feeding and seek to bolster the participants' confidence in their own ability to manoeuvre through childbirth and transition to parenthood. Communicating information to promote health and reduce risk is another key goal of antenatal education (Brixval et al, 2015). The structure of antenatal classes also enables participants to develop social networks and helps them connect with others in the same situation (Fabian et al, 2005).…”

Sociodemographic differences in women’s experience of early labour care: a mixed methods study

“…Antenatal education may have a role in improving women's and partners' knowledge and confidence in coping at home but a recent systematic review reported a lack of good evidence as to its effectiveness in promoting good obstetric and psychosocial outcomes more generally. 39 The maternity services should consider whether women's information needs are being met. In summary, most women were not particularly worried about early labour and most of those who contacted a midwife at this time felt that they received appropriate advice.…”