title: Prenatal education--how effective is it?
abstract: Are provision of knowledge and skills the major factors to influence behaviour changes that will in turn affect psychological and physiological outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth? This paper argues that courses for expectant parents must not be considered or promoted in isolation. Rather, they should be viewed as part of a complex, interrelated structure of variables that serve to create, influence, modify, support and reinforce factors considered to be indicators of favourable birth outcomes. The potential for health promotion activities is highlighted and problems of marketing, access, and restrictive obstetric management practises emphasised. Relevant research is discussed and areas for urgent action and further research are identified.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009042:Motivation; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome