Can partner support ease childbirth fears? new study says maybe.
NCT ID NCT06453811
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This completed trial tested a two-session childbirth preparation program where spouses participated alongside first-time mothers. The program was based on self-efficacy theory and aimed to reduce fear of childbirth, improve self-confidence, and influence delivery mode. 120 couples took part, with half receiving the program plus routine care and half receiving routine care alone. The study measured fear levels, self-efficacy scores, and actual birth outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Self-efficacy theory-based spouse participation childbirth preparation program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this program could help reduce fear of childbirth and increase confidence in first-time mothers, potentially leading to more natural deliveries.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-center study with 120 participants, so results may not apply to all populations. The program is behavioral and effects may vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
120 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2025
- Finished
-
Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 35 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Couples must be 18 years of age or older, * Couples should be able to read and write Turkish, * The pregnant woman has never given birth before, * The pregnant woman is at 28-30 weeks of gestation, * The pregnancy is viable and singular, * The pregnant woman does not have an established indication for caesarean section, * Routine controls during pregnancy are carried out in the hospital where the study is conducted. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy achieved by assisted reproductive techniques, * Participating in a birth preparation programme other than the routine pregnancy check-ups at the hospital, * Failure to attend any of the sessions in the childbirth preparation programme, * Failure to communicate in the postnatal period (no response to at least 3 telephone calls) * Development of any indication for caesarean section during pregnancy, * The birth takes place in a health institution different from the hospital where the research will be conducted.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Childbirth preparation program are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Lokman Hekim University
Ankara, Söğütözü Mahallesi, 06510, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- A Herb's bloom may calm the fear of first birth
- Art therapy vs. music: which soothes fear of childbirth?
- Coloring your way through labor: a simple art activity may tame birth fear
- Virtual birth prep: a new weapon against childbirth fear?
- Mindfulness may ease childbirth fear and boost confidence in first-time moms
- Mindfulness program aims to ease childbirth fears in First-Time moms