Antenatal predictors and use of coping strategies in labour

One aim of antenatal preparation is developing coping strategies for use du ring labour. However, the existing literature suggests that attendance at c lasses is not associated with lower pain or distress, possibly because rece iving training cannot be assumed to be associated with subsequent practice. This study aimed to assess whether attenders at classes actually used their taught strategies in their labours, whether use was associated with psycho logical benefits and whether antenatal measures could predict subsequent us e. Concepts from the theories of planned behaviour and self efficacy were u sed to attempt to predict use of three types of coping strategy. Use was high for breathing strategies but poor for relaxation and posture. Proportion of use of breathing and relaxation showed weak associations with lower fear. Whilst intentions did act as significant predictors for use of posture and relaxation only small proportions of the variance were account ed for and other antenatal measures showed little predictive capacity. Reasons why women in labour may fail to take behavioural consequences from their antenatal beliefs are considered. Predicting health-related behaviour s where maintenance rather than just initiation is involved may require gre ater consideration of intra-situational and emotional factors. Modification s of antenatal preparation to facilitate use of strategies are discussed.