Determination of birth perception and maternal blues levels of vaginally delivered postpartum women with and without prenatal education programme: a comparative study

This study aimed to determine the levels of birth perception and maternal blues among postpartum women who received and did not receive prenatal education programmes. This study, which had a cross-sectional descriptive design, included women who had received prenatal education (n = 64) and women who had not (n = 64). Research data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, Perception of Birth Scale, and Suryani Maternal Blues Scale. Data were collected twice on the second and fifth postpartum days. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of perception of birth scale scores on both the second day postpartum and the fifth day postpartum for childbirth perception, childbirth experience, pain experience, partner involvement, awareness, and postpartum experience. Regarding maternal blues scale scores, a significant difference was found between groups in terms of responsibility on the fifth day postpartum. This study provides insights into the effects of prenatal education on childbirth perception and maternal blues levels, offering implications for future maternal care practices. Based on our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the association between prenatal education and birth perception and maternal blues in a middle-income country.