The impact of antenatal education on mode of delivery and postpartum depression: a retrospective analysis

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of antenatal education on childbirth-related anxiety, mode of delivery, and the risk of postpartum depression (PPD).A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between antenatal education, obstetric outcomes, social support, and demographic characteristics. Methods:This retrospective observational study included postpartum women who received antenatal care and delivered at the same tertiary center.Participants were categorized according to whether they attended an antenatal education program.Demographic characteristics, obstetric outcomes, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were obtained from routine postpartum assessments.The primary endpoint was the effect of antenatal education on PPD risk (EPDS 13).Secondary endpoints included mode of delivery, social support, and factors associated with EPDS scores. Results:The study included 265 women (mean age: 28.725.42years).The rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery was higher among women who attended antenatal education (54.13%; p=0.021), while cesarean section was more common among those who did not attend (60.26%; p=0.021).Attendees had higher educational levels and more frequent support with infant care (p<0.05).The mean EPDS score was 6.225.04,and there was no significant difference in EPDS scores between attendees and non-attendees (6.83 and 5.81; p=0.095).Higher gravida, parity, and number of living children were associated with lower EPDS scores (p<0.001).The proportion of women classified as high risk for PPD (EPDS 13) was similar between the two groups (12.15% and 9.62%; p=0.513).Conclusions: Antenatal education was associated with higher rates of vaginal delivery and increased social support, but it did not significantly reduce PPD risk.Increasing gravida, parity, and number of living children were associated with lower EPDS scores.While antenatal education contributed positively to obstetric outcomes, it may be insufficient alone to reduce the likelihood of PPD.