First-Time Parents’ Perception of Antenatal Education in Sweden

Abstract

Antenatal parent education is one part of the parenthood support program and is offered to all first-time parents in Sweden. The aim was to explore first-time parents’ experiences of antenatal education and its helpfulness in preparation for birth and early parenthood. Eight hundred ten first-time parents completed questionnaires. The antenatal education was a positive experience for 56% and 62% of women and men, respectively. Antenatal education was helpful during birth for 68% of women and 63% of men. Forty-seven percent of women and 44% of men found it helpful for early parenthood. High level of education was the only background variable associated with being satisfied with antenatal education. Satisfaction was lower than reported in previous studies and indicates room for change and improvement in antenatal parent education.