Birth preferences by nulliparous women and their partners in Turkey

•It was found in this study that most women and their partners preferred a vaginal birth.•The couples' birth preferences were generally similar to one another.•Vaginal birth preferences were due to its being natural, healthier, with a quicker recovery and discharge from hospital.•Cesarean section preferences were due to fear of childbirth and not putting the baby at risk.•Both partners' birth preferences affected each other.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the preferences of nulliparous women and their partners in giving birth and the reasons for these preferences.MethodsThe sample in this cross-sectional study consisted of 162 pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy and their partners. Data collection was accomplished using a questionnaire.ResultsIt was found that most women (90.8%) and their partners (92%) preferred a vaginal birth. The couples' birth preferences were generally similar to one another. The main reasons for the choice of a vaginal birth were that it was natural and healthier for the mother and child and that recovery and discharge from the hospital were quicker. The main reasons for the choice of cesarean section were fear of childbirth and not putting the baby at risk.ConclusionsAntenatal education may help to reduce the number of elective cesarean sections by changing the negative perceptions of vaginal birth and reducing the fear of childbirth.