Longitudinal study of childbirth readiness and its related factors and consequences among low-risk pregnant women attending health centres in Tabriz, Iran

Key factors associated with readiness included fear of childbirth, obstetric history (gravidity, parity, history of abortion and participation in childbirth readiness classes), maternal education, home ownership, husband's occupation-though several associations showed small effect sizes. After adjustment, readiness did not independently predict childbirth experience or postpartum mental health. The low participation rate in readiness courses highlights a major service gap. Integrating readiness assessment into prenatal care and expanding access to targeted education are recommended to improve outcomes such as birth satisfaction and caesarean rates.