Delivery Mode Preferences, Fear of Childbirth, and Perceived Pressure AmongNulliparous Women

Tetik S., Öztürk R., Demirel Bozkurt Ö.

syedra sağlık dergisi, cilt.3, sa.1, ss.28-36, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 3 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Dergi Adı: syedra sağlık dergisi
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Index Copernicus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.28-36
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the delivery method choices of nulliparous women, their reasoning, andwhether they perceived social or medical pressure when making their decisions.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021-2022 with 156 nulliparous women. Data were collected usingpersonal information forms and the Preconceptional Fear of Childbirth in Women Scale (PPF-PFBS).Results: 46.2% of women preferred vaginal birth, while 34.6% would choose cesarean if necessary. More than halfnoted that recent obstetric advancements would influence their decision about cesarean section. Additionally, 64.1%expressed a positive view of elective cesarean section. Vaginal birth was favored for being healthy and natural, whileplanned cesarean section was preferred due to fear and perceptions of comfort and less pain. The score of PPF-PFBSwas 37.89 ± 12.94. The majority of the women stated that there was no social pressure regarding vaginal birth andthat they would not feel like a failure if they could not give birth with what they preferred. Women who think thereis social pressure think that the pressure is primarily because their choice of birth method is not respected, andnegative perceptions about cesarean section. Undecided women score higher on directing vaginal birth pressurethan those who feel there is none.Conclusion: The study shows birth method preferences are influenced by individual, social, and medical factors, withfear of childbirth significantly affecting cesarean section choices. Providing unbiased information and supportivehealth policies is crucial for women to make informed decisions about their births.