What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey.
Introduction: Antenatal education (ANE) equips pregnant women with knowledge and skills for pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It should facilitate preparation for the whole spectrum of the maternal journey and empower women to make informed decisions. This study aimed to explore the antena...
| Published in: | Maternal & Child Health Journal Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 324 - 338 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
| Format: | research tables/charts Journal Article |
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Springer Nature
Mar2025
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| Online Access: | View this record in EBSCOhost |
| fields | @attributes: recordID: 1 pdfLink: plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=183892612&site=ehost-live header: @attributes: shortDbName: ccm uiTerm: 183892612 longDbName: CINAHL Complete uiTag: AN controlInfo: bkinfo: dissinfo: jinfo: jid: 10927875 N9J jtl: Maternal & Child Health Journal issn: 10927875 maglogo: N pubinfo: dt: Mar2025 vid: 29 iid: 3 pid: 237 pub: Springer Nature place: New York, New York artinfo: ui: 183892612 182768238 183892612 183892612 10.1007/s10995-025-04048-z 183892612 ppf: 324 ppct: 14 formats: fmt: – @attributes: type: T – @attributes: type: P tig: atl: What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey. aug: au: Larkai, Eva Davies, Anna Toolan, Miriam Lynch, Mary Plachcinski, Rachel Larkin, Michael Fraser, Abigail Burden, Christy Merriel, Abi affil: https://ror.org/0524sp257 Academic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK sug: subj: Childbirth Education Needs Assessment Expectant Mothers Education Expectant Mothers Psychosocial Factors Prenatal Care Family Planning Human Funding Source United Kingdom Female Adolescence Adult Cross Sectional Studies National Health Programs Labor Postnatal Period Social Networks Adolescent: 13-18 years Adult: 19-44 years Female ab: Introduction: Antenatal education (ANE) equips pregnant women with knowledge and skills for pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It should facilitate preparation for the whole spectrum of the maternal journey and empower women to make informed decisions. This study aimed to explore the antenatal education needs and preferences of women who are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Methods: A UK wide cross-sectional survey was conducted (September 2019 to July 2020), recruiting women living in the UK, above 16, who were currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The survey gathered demographic information, details of current or planned class attendance, preferred ANE providers and desired skills and information. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Of 553 participants included in the analyses, 77% preferred free National Health Service (NHS) classes and 60% planned to attend multiple class types, including paid options. Participants valued practical skills, particularly for labour and the postpartum period, and actively sought perinatal social networks. Multiparous women were less likely to attend classes, citing prior experience or practical barriers. Despite high interest in NHS classes, regional variations in availability and limited accessibility were noted. Conclusion: NHS antenatal classes are a trusted source of ANE, forming a core element of many women's antenatal journey. However, inconsistent provision highlights the need for a standardised, comprehensive curriculum. Flexible delivery models and tailored content are crucial to address diverse needs, particularly for multiparous women and underrepresented groups. Enhanced accessibility could reduce inequalities in ANE provision and improve maternal outcomes. Significance: What is Already Known on this Subject?: Antenatal education (ANE) equips women with knowledge and skills for pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period, fostering informed decision-making and preparation. However, ANE delivery across the UK is inconsistent, with no standardised curriculum, resulting in regional disparities and barriers to access. What this Study Adds?: This study identifies women's preferences for practical skills, trimester-appropriate content, and social support through NHS classes, while highlighting gaps in accessibility and delivery. It advocates for a standardised, flexible ANE model to address diverse needs, reduce inequalities, and enhance maternal outcomes across the UK. pubtype: Academic Journal doctype: research tables/charts Journal Article ougenre: Article language: English refInfo: holdings: @attributes: islocal: N |
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