Table 3 Factorial load matrix of exploratory factor analysis (n = 363)

q1. I have regular antenatal examinations during pregnancy

0.489

q2. I take care of my hygiene during pregnancy (e.g., vulvar skin care, oral care, breast care)

0.820

q3. When necessary, I take medication as prescribed by my doctor during pregnancy

0.817

q4. I will go to the hospital in time when I feel unwell during pregnancy (e.g., vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, abnormal fetal movements)

0.701

q5. I know about the process of natural childbirth

0.700

q6. I know about the methods of labour analgesia (drug analgesia, non-drug analgesia)

0.804

q7. I know how to cooperate with the medical staff during labour (e.g., body positions, force method)

0.824

q8. I know about neonatal care (e.g., breastfeeding, umbilical care, skincare)

0.812

q9. I know about postpartum self-care (e.g., diet, emotional regulation, common postpartum discomforts)

0.739

q10. I know whom to ask if I have questions about childbirth

0.595

q11. I believe I can bear the labour pain

0.656

q12. I can insist on natural childbirth as long as conditions allow (including my own and my baby's condition)

0.739

q13. I believe I can go through the delivery successfully

0.826

q14. I am confident that I can cooperate with the medical staff to deal with emergencies during childbirth

0.721

q15. I am prepared for the childbirth

0.746

q16. I have identified and learned about the hospital to give birth in advance

0.634

q17. I have decided my caregivers during childbirth

0.513

q18. I have decided how to feed my baby after childbirth

0.543