Do Pregnant Women Want their Partners and Families with them at Birth?
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to determine the person pregnant women want to be with during labor, the stage of labor at which this support is desired, how women evaluate the support provided after birth, and to identify the factors influencing these outcomes.
Method: The study included 381 pregnant women who applied to the maternity ward of Erzurum City Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire form containing sociodemographic characteristics and information about the birth process and analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.
Results: 72.7% of the participants live in nuclear families, and 81.9% are unemployed. 88.6% of the pregnant women received prenatal care, and the rates of positive birth experiences were higher in this group. Spousal support during childbirth was limited (82.4% gave birth without a spouse), but family support also influenced the positive perception of the birth experience. The rate of pregnant women who wanted their partner present during childbirth was 59.3%, and the rate of those who wanted a family member present was 73.2%. The most important factor influencing the decision to have a partner (37.5%) or a family member (50.1%) present was the desire for support.
Conclusion: The study shows that prenatal care and spousal and family support have significant effects on positive birth experiences. As the level of education increases, the rate of participation in childbirth preparation classes increases. Pregnant women prefer to have their spouses or a family member present during labor and delivery.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
Thanks
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Psychosocial Aspects of Childbirth and Perinatal Mental Health
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Serap Ejder Apay
0000-0003-0978-1993
Türkiye
Early Pub Date
April 29, 2026
Publication Date
April 29, 2026
Submission Date
September 6, 2025
Acceptance Date
March 11, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 28