NCLEX Question for purpose of prepared childbirth classes

The pregnant couple asks the nurse what is the purpose of prepared childbirth classes.  The nurse’s best response would be.

a. .  “The main goal of most types of childbirth classes is to provide information that will help eliminate fear and anxiety.
b. “The desired goal is childbirth without the use of analgesics.”
c.  “These classes help to reduce the pain of childbirth by exercise and relaxation methods.
d.  “The primary aims is to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy and after!”

Correct Answer: A.  All programs in prepared childbirth have some similarities; all have an educational component to help eliminate fear.

Expectant parents are taught that childbirth preparation classes do not exclude the use of analgesics but that they often reduce the amount necessary.  To set childbirth without pain relief as a goal can be extremely destructive to the woman’s self-concept.

Most prepared childbirth classes do teach the mother coping strategies to deal with the pain and discomforts of birth; these may not directly reduce the pain itself and also other methods maybe used instead of exercises and relaxation, such as hypnosis.

Maintaining a healthy pregnancy with a positive outcome for mother and newborn is a goal of prenatal care by a physician, nurse midwife, or other qualified health care provider; childbirth education classes are not a substitute for this important intervention.

Posted in: MCN NCLEX