A influência da educação em saúde perinatal na diminuição do medo do parto em gestantes de risco habitual

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period of profound transformation in a woman's life, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological changes. This stage can be marked by a range of feelings, including fear of childbirth. It is estimated that approximately 14% of pregnant women worldwide experience significant fear of childbirth, and studies have shown that this fear is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, such as increased cesarean requests, preterm birth, and postpartum depression. Objective: To analyze whether there is a reduction in fear of childbirth after perinatal education in low-risk pregnant women. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental quantitative study with a sample of 38 low-risk pregnant women, aged 25 to 35 years, recruited through voluntary enrollment in a perinatal education course. Data collection was carried out using a sociodemographic and obstetric questionnaire, as well as the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (Version A), which assesses childbirth-related expectations and fear. The intervention consisted of eight group educational sessions conducted by a multidisciplinary team. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: The final sample was predominantly composed of women in their second trimester (73.7%) and with a university degree (92.1%). After the intervention, a significant increase in the mean fear of childbirth score was observed (p < 0.05), rising from 76.55 to 80.55 on the W-DEQ. However, categorical analysis of fear levels (moderate, high, and tokophobia) did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.102). Most participants remained in the high fear and tokophobia categories at both assessment points, indicating that the educational intervention alone was not sufficient to reduce elevated fear levels. Conclusion: The perinatal health educational intervention did not significantly reduce the levels of fear of childbirth. This suggests that, for pregnant women with high fear and tokophobia, more intensive and targeted educational strategies integrating multiprofessional support are necessary.