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Abstract
This study examined whether Thai women’s expectations of childbirth are being met and how expectations, self‑efficacy, and fear of childbirth influence satisfaction with the birth experience. In a longitudinal study of 195 pregnant women, expectations for 36 labor‑related events were assessed during late pregnancy and compared with actual experiences after delivery. On average, 73% of expected events occurred, while 27% did not. Fulfilled expectations were the strongest predictor of satisfaction, followed by lower education, higher self‑efficacy, and attending childbirth classes. Fear of childbirth predicted satisfaction only before accounting for expectations. Findings highlight the importance of aligning women’s expectations with their actual childbirth experiences to improve satisfaction and guide targeted maternity care interventions.