Important Factors Affecting Labor and Childbirth Readiness Among Primigravida Women in Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Maternal complications are the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, most of which are preventable. Birth planning is necessary to encourage the readiness to give birth. Particularly for primigravida, the moments of pregnancy, childbirth and even breastfeeding are first experiences for them, primigravida mothers need more attention. Aim: This study aimed to identify factors associated with the readiness of primigravida mothers in facing labor and childbirth. This research identifies knowledge as the most crucial factor in labor and childbirth readiness among primigravida mothers, highlighting its predominance over other variables such as age and education. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023. The research sample was primigravida pregnant women who were in the independent practices of midwives in DKI Jakarta Province. The sample size was 128 participants selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire: demographic data and childbirth readiness, then analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulation, and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Variables associated with labor and childbirth readiness are: age, level of education, knowledge, and exposure to information (p-value <0.05) which come up as the predictors to the readiness of the participants. Possessing knowledge about labor and childbirth preparation was the most dominant factor in predicting the mothers’ readiness (OR: 11.3). This study concludes that knowledge was the most important factor to influence mother readiness. Improving knowledge of pregnant women is the key to be more prepared in dealing with labor, childbirth, and beyond.