| Summary: | Background/Aims: Cultural factors significantly impact maternal mortality during pregnancy and birth, and cultural norms can affect pregnancy, labour and care-seeking behavior. This study explored local cultural perspectives of birth preparedness in a rural area of Java, Indonesia. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used individual semi-structured interviews with 16 purposively selected participants, including 10 pregnant women, two community midwives, two pregnant women's parents and two health cadres. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Three primary themes were found: the meaning of pregnancy in the sociocultural context, the meaning of childbirth and cultural values in pregnancy. Conclusions: Sociocultural factors have a significant impact on pregnancy and childbirth in rural Indonesian areas, and pregnant women may be unprepared for birth. It is essential to create a culturally appropriate intervention model for childbirth readiness that pregnant women and their families can easily understand. Innovation is vital to empower the community to promote childbirth preparation.
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