(474) The impact of watching an informative-video on possible obstetric emergencies before labor-a randomized controlled trial

In most obstetric departments women (especially nulliparous) are rarely counseled in detail regarding possible obstetric emergencies that might occur during labor.  This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of an informative video regarding possible obstetric emergencies during labor on maternal anxiety, childbirth experience, and peripartum satisfaction among nulliparous women anticipating vaginal delivery.

Study Design:

Participants (≥37 weeks gestation) were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group watched a 5-minute video planned and produced by our department on the management of delivery and “what to expect” during common obstetric emergencies, including fetal bradycardia, assisted delivery, emergency cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage. The control group received standard obstetric care. Anxiety levels were assessed at three points using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI): at recruitment prior to video exposure (STAI 1), upon admission to the delivery room (STAI 2), and postpartum (STAI 3). Both groups also completed an 11-item Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). The study was powered to detect a 5 points difference in the primary outcome (STAI 2).

Results:

A total of 161 participants were approached, and 127 were included in the final analysis after completing all study questionnaires. Of these, 63 were in the exposure group, and 64 in the control group (figure). There were no significant demographic differences between the groups, and baseline anxiety levels were comparable (STAI 1). Upon admission to the delivery room, anxiety levels remained similar between the control and exposure groups (STAI 2: 41 [33-48] vs. 42 [34-48], respectively; p = 0.84). Notably, immediate postpartum anxiety levels were significantly lower in the exposure group (STAI 3: 30 [24-38] vs. 28 [21-33]; p = 0.03). There were no differences in the CEQ between the groups (table).

Conclusion:

Watching the pre-delivery informative video about possible obstetric complications was associated with lower anxiety levels immediately postpartum.