An Investigation into the Expectations and Evaluations of Prenatal Classes by Groups of Expectant Mothers Attending the Classes

Abstract

This research is an attempt to find out, through the expectations and evaluations of prenatal classes by groups of expectant parents attending the classes, why particular groups of pregnant women appear to attend prenatal classes more than other groups. The subjects included primigravidas and multigravidas. The data was collected through participant observation and tape recording of the prenatal classes, discussions with the class instructor, the subjects' hospital records and unstructured interviewing of the subjects. The major findings show that moro primigravidas, English Canadians, higher educated and higher class mothers attend tho classcs. The mothers expect to obtain more exercises than information on pregnancy, labour, baby coro and group support from either mothers. These expectations seem to be mot by the classes. Moro than half of the subjects (60 percent) are completely satisfied while the remaining ho percent are only partially satisfied. The partial satisfaction is attributable mainly to the organization of the classes rather than the content. The level of satisfaction has some relationship with ago, education and occupational class. Nevertheless, it appears to have no association with expectations and subsequent attendance of the classes. On the other hand, age, parity, educational level, occupational class and expectations of the mothers seem to account for some expectant mothers attending prenatal classes more than others. Further research on these findings is suggested.