TABLE 6. Suggestions for Childbirth Education for Young Women Prior to Pregnancy.

Deliver childbirth education well in advance of the first pregnancy and birth. Increase awareness of consequences of cesarean surgery (e.g., longer recovery time, postpartum pain, abdominal scarring). Address fear of childbirth and concerns about labor pain. Provide information on different models of maternity care including the association between obstetric interventions and type of maternity provider. Consider the influence of birth stories transmitted from family and friends. Focus on the physiology and normality of vaginal birth and on medical indications, risks, and benefits associated with different obstetric interventions. Reinforce the notion that a low-interventionist labor followed by a vaginal birth is the healthiest and best option for most childbearing women.