Spinelli A, Baglio G, Donati S, Grandolfo M E, Osborn J
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2003 Feb;13(2):94-101. doi: 10.1080/jmf.13.2.94.101.
To examine the characteristics of women attending antenatal classes and evaluate the effects of these classes on mothers' and babies' health.
A population-based observational study on care during pregnancy, delivery and in the postnatal period was carried out in 1995-96. A total of 9004 women resident in 13 regions of Italy who delivered in a 4-month period were interviewed. The outcomes studied were attendance at antenatal classes, Cesarean section, bottle feeding, satisfaction with the experience of childbirth, knowledge of contraception, breast feeding and baby care.
A total of 2065 (23.0%) women attended antenatal classes. Women without previous children, those with a higher level of education and office workers were more likely to attend classes. Women who attended antenatal classes had a much lower risk of Cesarean section and were about half as likely to bottle feed while in hospital compared with non-attenders. They received better information on contraception, breast feeding and baby care. Women who attended classes and applied the techniques learned were more satisfied with the experience of childbirth.
Antenatal classes seem to improve women's knowledge and competence. This may provide a defence against the tendency to overmedicalize pregnancy and childbirth.
研究参加产前课程的女性的特征，并评估这些课程对母婴健康的影响。
1995 - 1996年开展了一项基于人群的孕期、分娩期及产后护理观察性研究。对意大利13个地区共9004名在4个月内分娩的常住女性进行了访谈。研究的结果包括参加产前课程情况、剖宫产、奶瓶喂养、对分娩体验的满意度、避孕知识、母乳喂养及婴儿护理知识。
共有2065名（23.0%）女性参加了产前课程。未育女性、受教育程度较高的女性及办公室职员更有可能参加课程。与未参加者相比，参加产前课程的女性剖宫产风险低得多，住院期间进行奶瓶喂养的可能性约为未参加者的一半。她们在避孕、母乳喂养及婴儿护理方面获得了更好的信息。参加课程并应用所学技巧的女性对分娩体验更满意。
产前课程似乎能提高女性的知识和能力。这可能有助于抵御妊娠和分娩过度医疗化的趋势。
