title: Birth preferences by nulliparous women and their partners in Turkey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the preferences of nulliparous women and their partners in giving birth and the reasons for these preferences.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample in this cross-sectional study consisted of 162 pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy and their partners. Data collection was accomplished using a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It was found that most women (90.8%) and their partners (92%) preferred a vaginal birth. The couples' birth preferences were generally similar to one another. The main reasons for the choice of a vaginal birth were that it was natural and healthier for the mother and child and that recovery and discharge from the hospital were quicker. The main reasons for the choice of cesarean section were fear of childbirth and not putting the baby at risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Antenatal education may help to reduce the number of elective cesarean sections by changing the negative perceptions of vaginal birth and reducing the fear of childbirth.
authors: Denizli School of Health, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüs, Denizli, Turkey. Electronic address: pinarsercekus@gmail.com.
authors: Pınar
authors: P
authors: Serçekuş
authors: Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Nuray
authors: N
authors: Egelioglu Cetisli
authors: Denizli School of Health, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüs, Denizli, Turkey.
authors: Fadime Hatice
authors: FH
authors: İnci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003289:Convalescence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010298:Parity; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018454:Spouses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cesarean section; Fear of childbirth; Nurses; Preference; Vaginal delivery