Effect of Implementing A Birth Plan on Womens' Childbirth Experiences and Maternal & Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract

Childbirth satisfaction represents a sense of feeling good about one's birth. It is thought to result from having a sense of control, having expectations met, feeling empowered, confident and supported. The aim of this study was to implement a birth plan and evaluate its effect on womens' childbirth experiences and maternal, neonatal outcomes. A quasi experimental design was utilized. Sitting: antenatal clinic, labor ward at Mansoura university hospital. Participants: included (GI) 37 caregivers and (GII) 260 pregnant woman divided into an(130) intervention who received care as birth plan during birth and (130)control  group who received routine care. Tools: a structured interview questionnaire included 3 parts; demographic data, childbirth expectations fulfillments and childbirth satisfaction data, semi structured interview with nurses and physician, observation check list to assess maternal & neonatal outcomes. Results: the intervention group had a statistically higher degree of positive childbirth experiences and improved labor outcomes than that of the control group (p<0,001). Conclusion: women who receive care with birth plan during her birth are more satisfied than those who not.

Keywords: Birth plan, Expectations, Childbirth Satisfaction, Childbirth Outcomes.