Birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in South African: A qualitative research study

Abstract

Pregnancy or birthing brings with it hope of a new life. A woman who was well-prepared antenatally and who has a low-risk pregnancy has the possibility of enjoying her labour and birth. First-time mothers are at times deprived of this experience due to limited preparation for the birth. A qualitative research design using an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approach was used to understand how first-time mothers experience birthing process preparedness. Data was collected from July to August 2020 by means of semi-structured interviews from sixteen purposively selected participants. Results revealed that participants are having varied experiences from factors that had influenced their birthing -process preparedness and thus provided suggestions for midwives to facilitate birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers in future. In conclusion the based on the results it is envisaged that a well-prepared pregnant woman is more likely to be less anxious during the birthing process.