Effects of Birth Plan on the Management of Childbirth Anxiety

Background: A negative childbirth experience can impact on a mother's subsequent childbirth experiences. Few studies have addressed the effectiveness of the birth plan for managing the anxiety of expectant mothers. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of birth plan on childbirth anxiety among expectant mothers. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the birth unit of a medical center in central Taiwan. Eligible expectant mothers were recruited and randomly allocated into experimental group (n = 73) and control group (n = 75). The experimental group was provided with care according to a birth plan, and the control group was provided with standard care. In addition to demographic and childbirth information, Stat-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used as an assessment instrument in this study. Results: The experimental group had a significantly lower degree of childbirth anxiety (t = 5.91, p ＜ .001; F = 2.65, p ＜ .001). Conclusion: Birth plan may contribute to reduced childbirth anxiety among expectant mothers. Health professionals can educate expectant parents about developing a birth plan. Mothers with birth plans feel respected and well treated and have more positive feelings about the childbirth experience.