Fear of childbirth in expectant mothers : a quantitative study in Malta

Abstract

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a significant concern that can impact maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes. This study addresses a gap in the literature by investigating the frequency and contributing factors of FOC among expectant mothers in Malta. A quantitative, cross-sectional design will be employed, using a modified version of the validated Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A) for data collection. Convenience sampling will recruit 100 participants between 28 and 30 weeks of gestation, with data collected at 32 weeks. Recruitment will be facilitated through the charge midwife at the Antenatal Clinic at Mater Dei Hospital. Inclusion criteria include being over 18 years of age, attending antenatal care at Mater Dei, and understanding English or Maltese. Data will be coded and analysed using descriptive statistics, with results presented in tables and charts. Ethical approval will be sought from the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) following departmental and hospital-level permissions. Participants’ rights, anonymity, and confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Findings are expected to identify common predictors of FOC and highlight potential differences between primiparous and multiparous women, supporting targeted antenatal interventions to reduce fear and improve birth outcomes. This study will provide the first in-depth exploration of FOC in Malta, offering valuable insights to inform maternity care policies, practice, and education.