Haptotherapy as a new intervention for treating fear of childbirth: a randomized controlled trial.

J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol

a Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology , Tilburg University, Tilburg , the Netherlands.

Published: March 2019

Objective: To evaluate the effect of haptotherapy on severe fear of childbirth in pregnant women.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Community midwifery practices and a teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

Population Or Sample: Primi- and multigravida, suffering from severe fear of childbirth (N = 134).

Methods: Haptotherapy, psycho-education via Internet and care as usual were randomly assigned at 20-24 weeks of gestation and the effects were compared at 36 weeks of gestation and 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Repeated measurements ANOVA were carried out on the basis of intention to treat. Since there were crossovers from psycho-education via Internet and care as usual to haptotherapy, the analysis was repeated according to the as treated principle.

Main Outcome Measures: Fear of childbirth score at the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire.

Results: In the intention to treat analysis, only the haptotherapy group showed a significant decrease of fear of childbirth, F(2,99) = 3.321, p = .040. In the as treated analysis, the haptotherapy group showed a greater reduction in fear of childbirth than the other two groups, F(3,83) = 6.717, p < .001.

Conclusion: Haptotherapy appears to be more effective in reducing fear of childbirth than psycho-education via Internet and care as usual.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2017.1398230DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

fear childbirth
24
randomized controlled
8
severe fear
8
psycho-education internet
8
internet care
8
care usual
8
intention treat
8
analysis haptotherapy
8
haptotherapy group
8
haptotherapy
6

Similar Publications

Background: Stillbirth occurs at a rate of 3.0 per thousand in Sweden. However, few studies have focused on the initial experiences of parents facing a stillbirth.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • This study examined how mindfulness-based counseling affects anxiety and childbirth satisfaction in first-time pregnant women.
  • A total of 60 women participated, with one group receiving routine prenatal care and the other participating in mindfulness sessions alongside regular care.
  • Results showed that those who engaged in mindfulness counseling reported lower anxiety levels and higher satisfaction with childbirth after the intervention compared to the control group.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The increase in cesarean section (CS) rates, whether they are classified as unnecessary or elective, has globally raised significant concerns due to the associated risks involving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although CS can be a lifesaving operation in specific medical cases, its overuse is exposing mothers and neonates to complications like hemorrhage, infections, and long-term consequences such as uterine scarring, infertility, and future pregnancy problems. The contributing factors include maternal preferences for convenience, fear of labor, and financial incentives within the healthcare systems that favor surgical interventions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Modern obstetrics confronts a rise in caesarean sections (CS). Prevention of unnecessary primary CS is a global priority. Women face intense psychological and physiological challenges during childbirth.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Maternal immunization is a valuable tool for protecting mother and unborn child from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, the implementation of strategies for vaccinating pregnant women has only recently gained traction. This work is aimed at providing an overview of European vaccination strategies and gathering evidence on interventions enhancing vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) in pregnant women.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!