Abstract

Purpose: To describe the expectations of early labor by nulliparous pregnant women in their third trimester and first-time mothers' experiences of early labor after they had given birth.

Study Design and Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach involving semi-structured, video-call interviews conducted between September 2020 and April 2021. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Twenty-two women took part in this study. Only 3 of the 10 nulliparous pregnant participants reported pain as an expected symptom of early labor. There were two themes identified from interviews with pregnant participants: Desire to stay at home in early labor and Lack of knowledge and two themes from interviews from postpartum participants: Expectations didn't match experiences and Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty during early labor.

Clinical Implications: Nulliparous women lack knowledge of and skills to effectively cope with pain during early labor while at home. There is a need for an innovative labor support program for childbearing women to remain safely at home in early labor.