Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39900851›Full record

ArticleMaternal and child health journal2025

What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey.

Eva Larkai, Anna Davies, Miriam Toolan, Mary Lynch, Rachel Plachcinski, Michael Larkin, Abigail Fraser, Christy Burden, Abi Merriel

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Maternal and child health journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Eva LarkaiAcademic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8316-7943
Anna DaviesAcademic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0743-6547
Miriam ToolanAcademic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Mary LynchAcademic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Rachel PlachcinskiNational Childbirth Trust, Bristol, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9908-0773
Michael LarkinDepartment of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3304-7000
Abigail FraserBristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Christy BurdenAcademic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Abi MerrielAcademic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. abi.merriel@liverpool.ac.uk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0352-2106

Funding

Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research, University of Bristol Funded whole or in part by the Wellcome Trust 204813/Z/16/ZThe Health Foundation Innovating for ImprovementWellcome Trust
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionAntenatal education (ANE) equips pregnant women with knowledge and skills for pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It should facilitate preparation for the whole spectrum of the maternal journey and empower women to make informed decisions. This study aimed to explore the antenatal education needs and preferences of women who are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

methodsA UK wide cross-sectional survey was conducted (September 2019 to July 2020), recruiting women living in the UK, above 16, who were currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The survey gathered demographic information, details of current or planned class attendance, preferred ANE providers and desired skills and information. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis.

resultsOf 553 participants included in the analyses, 77% preferred free National Health Service (NHS) classes and 60% planned to attend multiple class types, including paid options. Participants valued practical skills, particularly for labour and the postpartum period, and actively sought perinatal social networks. Multiparous women were less likely to attend classes, citing prior experience or practical barriers. Despite high interest in NHS classes, regional variations in availability and limited accessibility were noted.

conclusionNHS antenatal classes are a trusted source of ANE, forming a core element of many women's antenatal journey. However, inconsistent provision highlights the need for a standardised, comprehensive curriculum. Flexible delivery models and tailored content are crucial to address diverse needs, particularly for multiparous women and underrepresented groups. Enhanced accessibility could reduce inequalities in ANE provision and improve maternal outcomes.

Indexed as

Pregnant PeoplePrenatal CarePrenatal EducationAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansPregnancySurveys and QuestionnairesUnited KingdomAntenatal educationBirth preparationNational health Ssrvice (NHS)Perinatal mental health

Identifiers

PMID39900851
PMCPMC11926007

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.