The impact of watching an educational video on possible obstetric emergencies before labor: a randomized controlled trial

Background: While the importance of providing detailed information about potential obstetric emergencies is widely acknowledged, it is often inconsistently addressed in routine care for nulliparous women. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an educational video of possible obstetric emergencies during labor on maternal anxiety and childbirth experience among nulliparous women anticipating vaginal delivery. Study Design: This randomized controlled trial enrolled nulliparous women at term, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group watched a 5-minute educational video, developed by our department, which covered the management of labor and common obstetric emergencies. The control group received standard obstetric care. Anxiety was evaluated at three distinct time points using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI): At recruitment (STAI 1), upon admission to the delivery room (STAI 2), and the postpartum (STAI 3). Both groups completed an 11-item Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Results: A total of 161 participants were approached, with 127 completing the study questionnaires and included in the final analysis (63 intervention, 64 control). Baseline anxiety (STAI 1) and anxiety at admission (STAI 2) were comparable between groups. Immediate postpartum anxiety (STAI 3) was significantly lower in the video group (28 [22–33] vs 33 [26–38]; P=.01), with this reduction remaining significant in multivariable analysis (adjusted coefficient: −5.1; 95% CI: −9.2 to −1.1; P=.01). Greater anxiety reductions were observed in the video group from recruitment to postpartum (Δ STAI 3-1: −15.5 [−24 to −5] vs −9 [−18 to 0]; P=.02) and from admission to postpartum (Δ STAI 3-2: −12.5 [−20 to −3] vs −7 [−12 to 0]; P=.01). CEQ scores were similar between groups. Conclusion: A prelabor educational video significantly reduced postpartum anxiety, highlighting its potential as a simple and scalable intervention to enhance maternal mental health.