Fear of childbirth, nonurgent obstetric interventions, and newborn outcomes: A randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting with enhanced care as usual

Effectiveness of mind-body interventions in labour pain management during normal delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Labour pain is a common experience among women and poses risks to both the mother and neonate. Mind-body interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in diverse contexts, but their effectiveness in labour pain management remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the effects of each category of mind-body interventions on labour pain management, particularly pain intensity; the use of pharmacological pain relief medications; and the consequent outcomes, including the rate of caesarean section, duration of labour, and fear of childbirth.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic search for related articles was conducted in 10 databases. Randomised controlled trials focusing on the effectiveness of mind-body interventions in labour pain management were included. Two researchers independently conducted methodological quality assessments, data extraction and grading the evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted when studies measured the same outcomes. Standardised mean differences were calculated for continuous variables, whilst risk ratios were calculated for dichotomous variables. All analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies from 24 trials were included, and six categories of mind-body interventions, namely hypnosis, mindfulness, breathing skills, muscle relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and therapeutic touch, were identified. Specifically, hypnosis and mindfulness might be effective in relieving labour pain intensity, with large effect sizes (SMD: -1.45, 95 % confidence interval [CI] -2.34, -0.55, I2 = 91 %; SMD: -1.22, 95 % CI -2.07, -0.37, I2 = 93 %, respectively), but could not reduce the use of epidural analgesia. Mindfulness, in particular, yielded statistically significant reductions in the rate of caesarean section, with a small effect size (RR: 0.46, 95 % CI 0.21, 0.97, I2 = 49 %), and in fear of childbirth, with a medium effect size (SMD: -0.63, 95 % CI -1.09, -0.17, I2 = 65 %). Additionally, all categories of mind-body interventions were associated with a significantly decreased duration of labour compared with the control conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Mind-body interventions may have potential benefits in terms of decreasing labour pain intensity, the rate of caesarean section, the duration of labour, and fear of childbirth, with small-to-large effect sizes. Particularly, hypnosis and mindfulness exhibited significant positive effects in terms of relieving labour pain intensity, with large effect sizes. These interventions could serve as complementary or alternative methods for labour pain management in clinical practice. Nevertheless, further rigorous randomised controlled trials are warranted to confirm our results.

REGISTRATION

CRD42024498600 (PROSPERO, January 15, 2024).

The effect of mindfulness-based childbirth education intervention on fear of childbirth: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the effect size of mindfulness-based childbirth education on the fear of childbirth.

METHODS

In this study, the meta-analysis method, one of the methods of synthesising quantitative research, was used. EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar, WOS, and CINAHL databases were used to determine the studies to be included in the meta-analysis. The keywords such as "mindfulness", "fear of childbirth", "mindfulness-based childbirth", "mindfulness education" and "childbirth" were searched in the international literature. Four experimental studies published between 2013 and 2022 that aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based childbirth education on the fear of childbirth, had a full text available and met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study.

RESULTS

On the analysis of the data, mindfulness-based childbirth education was found to be effective in reducing the fear of childbirth (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.117, 95%CI: -1.049: -0.419, p<0.001, I2=36.98%). The results of this meta-analysis indicated that mindfulness-based education provided to pregnant women was found to be effective in reducing the fear of childbirth.

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness-based childbirth education is considered to be used as an effective non-pharmacological midwifery and nursing intervention in reducing the fear of childbirth in pregnant women. This review was preregistered on PROSPERO (Ref No: CRD42022316472).

A comparison of childbirth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, and labor pain intensity between primiparas and multiparas during the latent phase of labor: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Childbirth is a long-lasting physiological stress. As one of the main stressors, labor pain exists throughout the whole process. Childbirth self-efficacy is the confidence, or belief that they can manage pain during childbirth. This sense of self-efficacy determines how pregnant women deal with labor pain and enables them to regulate their behavior and actively deal with childbirth. However, the difference in pain sensitivity between single births (primiparas) and multiple births (multiparas) has rarely been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This study is aimed at investigating self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, labor pain of primiparas and multiparas and exploring factors related to the perceived labor pain intensity of pregnant women.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING(S)

Labour and delivery in a large academic specialized hospital in Guangzhou, China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 347 women, (182 primiparas and 165 multiparas) were enrolled in the data analysis. Pain was assessed before cervical dilatation (cervical dilatation ≤ 3 cm for the first delivery and ≤ 2 cm for the second delivery).

METHOD

The general information of participants was obtained by questionnaire and obstetrical records of the subjects were obtained from the electronic medical records extracted from the electronic medical record system (EMRS). Childbirth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth (FOC) and labor pain were compared between primiparas and multiparas. Paired t-test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze labor pain between the two groups and investigate factors related perceived labor pain intensity.

RESULTS

The total scores related to fear of childbirth, fetal health, self-control, and labor pain injury of multiparas were notably reduced compared with primiparas (all P < 0.05). The perceived labor pain intensity and duration of the first stage of labor was reduced in the multipara group compared with the primipara group. The childbirth control sense of the multipara was better than that of the primipara. The perceived labor pain intensity was negatively correlated with advanced age (age ≥ 35 years), self-efficacy score, family support, and education (all P < 0.05). In contrast, the perceived labor pain intensity was positively correlated with tension, severe fear of childbirth, and anxiety (P < 0.05). Self-efficacy, gravidity, delivery cognition, and fear of childbirth were independent risk factors for the perceived labor pain intensity in the latent period (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fear of childbirth is a predictor of perceived labor pain intensity. The extent of labor pain (minimum and maximum) can be predicted by the level of fear the expectant mother has. During the latent phase of labor, self-efficacy, fear of childbirth and labor pain are different between primiparas and multiparas.

Mindfullness based intervention reduce anxiety in labor

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions on anxiety through a systematic review.

METHOD

Systematic review by searching articles through the PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, Wiley Library, Sage Journal, and Cochrane Library databases with publication years January 2012 to January 2022 RESULTS: Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria covering several countries, including Canada 1 article, Egypt 1 article, Taiwan 1 article, Amsterdam 2 articles, Iran 1 article, Austria 1 article, San Francisco 1 article, Germany 1 article, Sweden 1 article, China 1 article, and Spain 1 article.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of anxiety about childbirth is important for pregnant women. Mindfulness interventions are effective for reducing anxiety about labor and increasing comfort during labor. Mindfulness intervention mechanisms have the potential to reduce anxiety by increasing skills to regulate emotions.

Effect of Personality and Pain Catastrophizing on Postoperative Analgesia Following Cesarean Section: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different psychological personalities and pain catastrophizing levels on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing cesarean section.

Patients and Methods

Puerperas who underwent cesarean section at our hospital between January and August 2023 were recruited into the study and assessed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Scale (EPQRSC) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Data on the numerical pain intensity at rest and during activity 24 h after surgery, number and dosage of analgesia pumps, and satisfaction with analgesia were recorded. According to the numerical pain score during activity 24 h post-operation, the patients were divided into the analgesia incomplete group (≥4) and control group (<4). Univariate analysis, Spearman correlation analysis, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the influence of personality characteristics and PCS on postoperative analgesia.

Results

A total of 778 women were included in the study. The incidence of inadequate analgesia was 89.8%. The satisfaction rate of analgesia was 66.8%. Univariate analysis showed that extraversion; neuroticism; PCS; numbers of previous cesarean delivery; ASA; analgesic satisfaction; and 24-h analgesia pump compressions and dosage were associated with postoperative analgesia after cesarean section (P<0.05). Using binary logistic regression analysis, the first cesarean section (odds ratio [OR]=0.056, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.913-19.174), the number of 24-h analgesic pump compressions (OR=8.464, 95% CI=0.356-0.604), extraversion (OR=0.667, 95% CI=0.513-0.866), neuroticism (OR=1.427, 95% CI=1.104-1.844), and PCS (OR=7.718, 95% CI=0.657-0.783) were factors affecting postoperative analgesia.

Conclusion

The incidence of inadequate analgesia after a cesarean section was high (89.8% on the first day after surgery). Formulating accurate analgesia programs for women undergoing cesarean section with extraversion, neuroticism personality characteristics, and pain catastrophizing behaviors is necessary for improving their postoperative analgesia effects and satisfaction and promoting postpartum comfort.

Cost-Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program for Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth

OBJECTIVE

To examine the cost-effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) program compared with enhanced care as usual (ECAU).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Midwifery settings in the Netherlands, April 2014 to July 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Subset of pregnant women with high levels of fear of childbirth (N = 54: randomized to MBCP, n = 32, or to ECAU, n = 22) who were selected from the parent study because they completed all four cost questionnaires.

METHODS

We measured self-reported health care and non-health care costs. A subset of participants from the parent study completed the questionnaires at all four assessment points. We used the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire to measure fear of childbirth and used the EuroQol-5D to measure quality of life. We used these measures of effect together with societal costs in the primary cost-effectiveness analyses. In the secondary cost-effectiveness analyses, we used different estimates of effects and costs to test the robustness of the primary analyses.

RESULTS

In all but one scenario, MBCP was more effective and cost less than ECAU. As indicated by the acceptability curves, the likelihood of MBCP being cost-effective varied within a range of 70% to 98%.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that MBCP is a cost-effective intervention to reduce fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Important next steps are to replicate the study in countries with different health care systems and to explore the potential for further integration of MBCP into midwifery care.

Discrepancy in parental fear of childbirth: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Fear of childbirth is a prevalent clinical psychological issue for both mother and father; however, there is a lack of research comparing and summarizing discrepancies in parental fear of childbirth.

AIM

This study aimed to explore differences in parental fear of childbirth, identify gaps in related research area, and provide directions for future studies.

METHODS

Original references were searched from six databases by using subject terms associated with fear of childbirth. The guideline of the scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O' Malley were applied.

RESULTS

The review covered 203 publications in all. Of them, 181 were maternal studies and 22 were paternal studies. 105 articles examined prevalence and influencing factors ranging from 0.7 % to 89.3 % in mothers and 5 % to 54.3 % in fathers. The current study included 84 influencing factors, 9 of which were common to parents and 75 of which were different, containing fathers' specific influences on fear of childbirth are perceived pregnancy difficulties, perceived birth difficulties, feelings about the upcoming birth, more frequent thoughts of birth in the middle of pregnancy and not attending parent education classes. 12 articles dealt with the experience of fear of childbirth, and the parents' fear of childbirth had 5 common themes, including fear of the birthing process, fear related to the baby, fear of lack of support, fear of postnatal health and life, and adverse psychological problems. But they have different sub-themes. 61 articles on fear of childbirth interventions, including 8 mother-specific approaches and 4 identical approaches for parents, and all of these methods were effective in reducing the prevalence of parental fear of childbirth.

CONCLUSION

Factors such as marital status, personality, etc., that are specific to mothers can also be applied to paternal fear of childbirth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and group discussion, which are unique to maternal fear of childbirth, may be attempted for paternal fear of childbirth. In addition, future research should be devoted to developing a specific measurement tool for fathers, studying paternal fear of childbirth in depth from various aspects.

How safe is the treatment of pregnant women with fear of childbirth using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy? Obstetric outcomes of a multi-center randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Pregnant women with fear of childbirth display an elevated risk of a negative delivery experience, birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder, and adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight, and postpartum depression. One of the therapies used to treat fear of childbirth is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the obstetric safety and effectiveness of EMDR therapy applied to pregnant women with fear of childbirth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial (the OptiMUM-study) was conducted in two teaching hospitals and five community midwifery practices in the Netherlands (www.trialregister.nl, NTR5122). Pregnant women (n = 141) with a gestational age between 8 and 20 weeks and suffering from fear of childbirth (i.e. sum score on the Wijma Delivery Expectations Questionnaire ≥85) were randomly allocated to either EMDR therapy (n = 70) or care-as-usual (CAU) (n = 71). Outcomes were maternal and neonatal outcomes and patient satisfaction with pregnancy and childbirth.

RESULTS

A high percentage of cesarean sections (37.2%) were performed, which did not differ between groups. However, women in the EMDR therapy group proved seven times less likely to request an induction of labor without medical indication than women in the CAU group. There were no other significant differences between the groups in maternal or neonatal outcomes, satisfaction, or childbirth experience.

CONCLUSIONS

EMDR therapy during pregnancy does not adversely affect pregnancy or the fetus. Therefore, therapists should not be reluctant to treat pregnant women with fear of childbirth using EMDR therapy.

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on self-efficacy and fear of childbirth in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness-based interventions are a relatively new and potentially useful psychological approach in prenatal care. This study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based programs on pregnant women's fear of childbirth FOC and self-efficacy.

METHODS

The systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran databases began on 11 November 2021 and ended on 17 December 2021 to obtain studies published in English and Persian without date constraints. Another search was conducted in March 2023. The Cochrane handbook tool was used to evaluate selected studies and their risk of bias.

RESULTS

From a total of 316 records obtained, after removing duplicate items, 16 full texts were evaluated for eligibility; and finally, 10 studies were included in the study and meta-analysis. Based on the results of meta-analyses, mindfulness-based exercises may improve childbirth self-efficacy (SMD = 1.34, 95 % CI: 0.39 to 2.30; P < 0.00001; 5 studies, 304 women; low-certainty evidence) and probably reduce the level of FOC (SMD = -0.71, 95 % CI: -1.14 to -0.27; P = 0.001; 5 studies, 424 women; moderate-certainty evidence) in the intervention group compared to the control group.

LIMITATIONS

Different duration of interventions across studies, different gestational ages at the time of enrollment, and large heterogeneity in the meta-analysis of results were the limitations of this study.

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness-based interventions probably reduce FOC and may promote self-efficacy. More randomized controlled trials with stronger designs and adequate power samples are required to verify the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions, especially on self-efficacy in pregnant women.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42021294056.

Association between high levels of comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms and decreased likelihood of birth without intervention: A longitudinal prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between trajectories of comorbid anxiety and depressive (CAD) symptoms assessed in each pregnancy trimester and physiological birth.

DESIGN

Large longitudinal prospective cohort study with recruitment between January 2013 and September 2014.

SETTING

Primary care, in the Netherlands.

POPULATION

Dutch-speaking pregnant women with gestational age at birth ≥37 weeks, and without multiple pregnancy, severe psychiatric disorder or chronic disease history.

METHODS

Pregnancy-specific anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured prospectively in each trimester of pregnancy using the negative affect subscale of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale and Edinburgh (Postnatal) Depression Scale. Data on physiological birth were obtained from obstetric records. Multivariate growth mixture modelling was performed in MPLUS to determine longitudinal trajectories of CAD symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between trajectories and physiological birth.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Trajectories of CAD symptoms and physiological birth.

RESULTS

Seven trajectories (classes) of CAD symptoms were identified in 1682 women and subsequently merged into three groups: group 1-persistently low levels of symptoms (reference class 1; 79.0%), group 2-intermittently high levels of symptoms (classes 3, 6 and 7; 11.2%), and group 3-persistently high levels of symptoms (classes 2, 4 and 5; 9.8%). Persistently high levels of CAD symptoms (group 3) were associated with a lower likelihood of physiological birth (odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.95, P = 0.027) compared with the reference group (persistently low levels of symptoms), after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first showing evidence that persistently high CAD levels, assessed in each pregnancy trimester, are associated with a lower likelihood of physiological birth.

Mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting for pregnant women with high fear of childbirth and their partners: outcomes of a randomized controlled trial assessing short- and longer-term effects on psychological well-being, birth and pregnancy experience

OBJECTIVES

Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) reduces mothers' anticipated fear of childbirth (FOC), nonurgent obstetric interventions during childbirth and may improve childbirth outcomes in women with high FOC (Veringa-Skiba et al, 2022). The aim of this study was to examine the short- and longer-term outcomes of MBCP on psychological well-being, pregnancy and birth experience, as compared to enhanced care-as-usual (ECAU), in pregnant women with high FOC and their partners.

DESIGN

Participants were randomly assigned to MBCP or ECAU and completed questionnaires preintervention (T1), immediately after intervention (T2), two to four weeks after childbirth (T3) and 16-20 weeks after childbirth (T4). Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted.

SETTING

The courses were provided by trained midwives.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 141 pregnant women and 120 partners.

INTERVENTION

MBCP comprised a nine-weekly three-hour session mindfulness group course for pregnant couples; ECAU consisted of two 90-minute individual couple consultation sessions.

MEASUREMENTS

Measures of psychological well-being included measures like stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Measures of pregnancy and birth experience concerned experiencing uplifts during pregnancy, experienced fear of childbirth, labour pain and satisfaction with childbirth.

FINDINGS

No differences between MBCP and ECAU in the total group of birthing women were found. However, women with (at least an onset of) labour that participated in MBCP reported a better birth experience compared to ECAU at T3. Concerning the total partner group only one difference between MBCP and ECAU was found at T4; MBCP partners reported an increase in fatigue. However, in the partner risk group (i.e., partners with lower psychological well-being before intervention) partners experienced better psychological well-being at T2 and T3 after MBCP than ECAU.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

MBCP and ECAU demonstrate similar effects on psychological well-being, birth and pregnancy experience. However, MBCP appears superior to ECAU for labouring women in having a better childbirth experience and for partners at risk for psychological complaints in increasing their psychological well-being.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

MBCP only positively affects the childbirth experience of those who experience (onset of) natural birth. It might be advisable to include partners at risk for psychological complaints in the MBCP.

Mindful awareness as a mechanism of change for natural childbirth in pregnant women with high fear of childbirth: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) is effective in increasing natural childbirth in pregnant women with high fear of childbirth (FOC) as compared to enhanced care as usual (ECAU). We aimed to examine through which pathway of action MBCP reaches this effect, based on a model of approaching or avoiding the challenges related to childbirth.

METHODS

One hundred eleven pregnant women with high FOC were measured pre- and post-intervention on FOC (emotion pathway), catastrophic beliefs about labour pain (cognition pathway) and mindful awareness (attention pathway). A multiple mediation model was used to examine through which pathway the mechanism of change operated in relation to approach (i.e., natural childbirth) versus avoidance (i.e., self-requested caesarean section).

RESULTS

It was found that greater mindful awareness (18% R2 = 0.18, F[1107] = 22.77, p < 0.0001) was the only significant mechanism of change operating through the attentional pathway leading to natural childbirth. More specifically, nonreactivity to inner experience (a facet of mindful awareness) showed to be the strongest mechanism of change. More extensive meditation practice was positively associated with natural childbirth; however, the number of completed MBCP sessions was not associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in mindful awareness was the strongest mechanism of change for better adaptation to the challenges of childbirth. Decreases in neither FOC nor catastrophic beliefs about labour pain were identified as mechanisms of change. Additionally, the more one meditated, the more one was inclined towards a natural childbirth. MBCP enhances adaptation to the challenges of childbirth and less use of obstetric interventions in the presence of high FOC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR; 4302 ).

Is collaborative care a key component for treating pregnant women with psychiatric symptoms (and additional psychosocial problems)? A systematic review

Mental disorders during pregnancy are common, with long-lasting negative effects on mother and child. Treatment of these women is challenging, because of the high incidence of additional psychosocial problems and barriers on population and healthcare level. Collaborative care, collaboration between mental health and obstetric care professionals, may help to overcome these problems. The aim of this review is to review antenatal mental health interventions and analyse the impact of collaborative care. Two independent reviewers searched for RCT's in PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO. Trials studying the effect of psychological or pharmacological interventions on the mental health of pregnant women with psychiatric symptoms (and psychosocial problems) were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Each study was scored on collaborative care criteria: multi-professional approach to patient care, structured management plan, scheduled patient follow-ups and enhanced interprofessional communication. Thirty-five studies were included. Most trials studied the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy on antenatal depression. Almost all interventions met at least one collaborative care criteria. Interventions were mostly provided by multiple professionals, but interprofessional communication rarely took place. Interventions that met more criteria did not more often show a positive effect on maternal mental health. There is lack of research on antenatal psychiatric disorders other than depressive and on long-term treatment outcomes. Collaborative care is partly implemented in most current interventions, but more trials (including interprofessional communication) are needed to be conclusive whether collaborative care is a key component in antenatal mental healthcare.