]>
IRCT20260808070572N1 IRCT 2026-08-14 Esfahan University of Medical Sciences The Effect of a Technology‑Based Childbirth Preparation Program on Childbirth Outcomes Comparing the Effect of a Technology-Based Late-Pregnancy Childbirth Preparation Program on Childbirth Readiness, Fear of Childbirth, Childbirth Experience, and Mode of Delivery in Pregnant Women 2026-09-20 anticipated 70 Recruiting https://irct.ir/trial/92351 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Not blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Parallel, Purpose: Education/Guidance, Randomization description: Random block randomization using RAS (Random Allocation Software) with blocks of sizes 4 and 6 and a 1:1 allocation ratio. The unit of randomization is the individual. The allocation sequence is generated by a person not involved in recruitment and placed in sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes (allocation concealment). Envelopes are opened in the order of participant enrollment. N/A Condition 1: Childbirth Readiness. Condition 2: Fear of Childbirth. Condition 3: Childbirth Experience. Condition 4: Mode of Delivery. Intervention 1: Intervention group: Mothers in the intervention group receive a technology-based childbirth preparation program specifically designed for late pregnancy (from 36 weeks of gestation onward until the onset of labor). The program is delivered through an interactive online educational-supportive environment based on mothers’ preferences (extracted from the qualitative phase). It includes multimedia content (short 3- to 5-minute videos with downloadable Persian subtitles, audio podcasts, and infographics), self-care tools (smart calendar and reminders), a counseling system (text chat and discussion forum), and an intelligent chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to personalize the content and educational pathway according to each mother’s needs, preferences, and pregnancy status.The educational content covers physical exercises, breathing techniques, relaxation training, psychological support, and non-pharmacological methods for labor pain management. Eighty percent of the main content is made available within the first five days, with the remaining content provided gradually until the time of birth. The researcher also continuously offers online educational, supportive, and counseling support and reminds mothers to use the content via telephone calls and SMS. The aim of the intervention is to enhance childbirth preparedness and promote safe natural childbirth. Intervention 2: Control group: Receive routine pregnancy care according to the national protocol (including periodic prenatal visits at comprehensive health centers or clinics, physical examinations, routine laboratory tests, necessary ultrasounds, general prenatal education, and referral if needed). This group does not receive any additional technology-based educational-supportive intervention or childbirth preparation program. Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available Justification or reason for indecision in sharing IPD is No more information available.
public Maryam Khalili
No. 119, 1st Floor, Shahid Ali Akbari Alley, Modares Boulevard, Borujen, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran
Broujen Iran (Islamic Republic of) 8871853775 +98 38 3423 2020 maryamkhalili68@yahoo.com Esfahan University of Medical Sciences scientific Maryam Khalili
No. 119, 1st Floor, Shahid Ali Akbari Alley, Modares Boulevard, Borujen, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran
Broujen Iran (Islamic Republic of) 8871853775 +98 38 3423 2020 maryamkhalili68@yahoo.com Esfahan University of Medical Sciences Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iran (Islamic Republic of) Desire for Natural Vaginal Delivery Pregnant women aged 20-49 Gestational age 36 weeks and 6 days and above Iranian and resident of Isfahan Consent to participate in the study Single pregnancy Access to a smartphone, Internet, Desire to use it No mental or chronic illnesses (heart disease, lung disease, etc.) based on information from the Sib system(Apple Integrated System) Mental health screening (with the DASS questionnaire) Use of the desired content and program for at least 5 days 20 years 49 years Female Presence of contraindications to normal (vaginal) delivery, as assessed by the attending physician Severe hearing or visual impairment that prevents the use of the program’s audio and visual content High-risk pregnancy (such as preeclampsia, placenta previa, active bleeding, etc.) Other N/A Intervention group: Mothers in the intervention group receive a technology-based childbirth preparation program specifically designed for late pregnancy (from 36 weeks of gestation onward until the onset of labor). The program is delivered through an interactive online educational-supportive environment based on mothers’ preferences (extracted from the qualitative phase). It includes multimedia content (short 3- to 5-minute videos with downloadable Persian subtitles, audio podcasts, and infographics), self-care tools (smart calendar and reminders), a counseling system (text chat and discussion forum), and an intelligent chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to personalize the content and educational pathway according to each mother’s needs, preferences, and pregnancy status.The educational content covers physical exercises, breathing techniques, relaxation training, psychological support, and non-pharmacological methods for labor pain management. Eighty percent of the main content is made available within the first five days, with the remaining content provided gradually until the time of birth. The researcher also continuously offers online educational, supportive, and counseling support and reminds mothers to use the content via telephone calls and SMS. The aim of the intervention is to enhance childbirth preparedness and promote safe natural childbirth. Control group: Receive routine pregnancy care according to the national protocol (including periodic prenatal visits at comprehensive health centers or clinics, physical examinations, routine laboratory tests, necessary ultrasounds, general prenatal education, and referral if needed). This group does not receive any additional technology-based educational-supportive intervention or childbirth preparation program. Fear of childbirth. Timepoint: Before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. Method of measurement: (Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire - WDEQ) A and B. Childbirth Readiness. Timepoint: Before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. Method of measurement: Childbirth Readiness Scale. Childbirth Experience. Timepoint: Immediately after delivery. Method of measurement: Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Mode of delivery. Timepoint: Immediately after delivery. Method of measurement: By referring to the medical record. Esfahan University of Medical Sciences Approved 2026-08-04 Ethics committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Secretariat of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Administrative Building No. 4, 2nd Floor Hezarjerib Street, University Campus, Isfahan, Iran Isfahan Isfehan Iran (Islamic Republic of)