The Association of Childbirth Preparation Classes with Labor Pain, Labor Duration, and Neonatal Outcomes in the Northeast of Iran During 2018–2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims: Childbirth preparation classes aim to equip expectant parents with knowledge and skills for a smoother labor process. This study evaluated their effects on labor pain, duration, and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 240 primiparous women, with 120 attending at least four classes and 120 not participating. The classes comprised eight sessions conducted by certified midwives at Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Iran (2018-2019). Data were collected through questionnaires, clinical observations, and medical examinations. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: = 0.40). Neonatal outcomes showed no significant differences. Women in the control group had nearly Seven times higher odds of experiencing pain scores above 5 during late first-stage labor. Conclusions: Childbirth preparation classes effectively reduce labor pain but do not significantly impact labor duration or neonatal health. Given the importance of promoting natural delivery, expanding such educational programs is recommended to enhance maternal adaptation and overall labor experience.