The relationship between childbirth education classes and obstetric outcome.

The records of 207 primigravid patients were reviewed over seven months to determine the relationship between childbirth education classes and the outcome of labor and delivery. Primiparous patients self-selected into two groups, attenders and nonattenders of childbirth education classes; 114 attended at least two classes and 93 attended one or no classes. A significantly higher percentage of attenders were older, better educated, or of higher socioeconomic status. There were nonsignificant trends toward longer second stage of labor, increased use of assistance at delivery (forceps or vacuum), and increased use of medication in the group that attended prenatal classes. A benefit of attendance at childbirth education classes in reducing interventions during labor and delivery was not demonstrated.