The comparison of birth plan expectations and birth afterthought of Iranian primiparous women: A longitudinal comparative study.

Objective: The fulfillment of women's expectations from the birth plan has not been investigated longitudinally in the postpartum period.

Background: The childbirth experience encompasses a wide range of emotions for mothers. A positive childbirth experience is strongly associated with the fulfillment of childbirth expectations in women.

Objective: This longitudinal study aimed to assess the alignment between birth plan expectations and postpartum experiences.

Methods: 184 primiparous pregnant women aged 15-49 in their third trimester were recruited. Prior to childbirth, participants completed demographic questionnaires and a birth plan checklist, and then, 4-6 weeks after childbirth, they filled out questionnaires about their childbirth experiences and satisfaction.

Results: Mothers had high expectations before giving birth, such as having a companion (91.6 %), experiencing calm and silence (60.4 %), being able to drink liquids during labor (64.28 %), having freedom of movement (92.9 %), avoiding continuous fetal monitoring (89.6 %), using warm water or a bath (61 %), and desiring immediate breastfeeding (55.8 %). However, none of these expectations were completely fulfilled in the mothers' postpartum perceptions (P < 0.001). The majority (66.9 %) had a low level of satisfaction with their vaginal birth.

Conclusions: The findings reveal a significant gap between their birth plan expectations and postpartum experiences between Iranian primiparous women. Conclusions: By using birth plans to assess expectations, implementing intervention based on women's preferences, and evaluating postpartum experiences, it may be possible to create more positive childbirth experiences and increase satisfaction.