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Hildingsson I, Johansson M. A cluster analysis of reasons behind fear of birth among women in Sweden. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 45:2319291. [PMID: 38376114 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2024.2319291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of birth is common and complex, caused by a variety of reasons. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of pre-established reasons in relation to fear, and to identify profiles of women based on their reported reasons behind fear of birth. METHODS A cross-sectional Swedish study of women with self-reported fear of birth who completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used in the analysis of pre-established reasons in relation to self-reported severe fear. A Kappa-means cluster analysis was performed in order to group reasons, that were further investigated in relation to women's background variables. RESULTS A total of 1419 women completed the survey. The strongest reason behind fear of birth was to be forced to give birth vaginally. Four clusters were identified and labeled: minor complexity (reference group), relative minor complexity, relative major complexity, and major complexity. Cesarean section preference, previous mental health problems, being younger, primiparity, and exposure to domestic violence were factors related to cluster grouping. CONCLUSIONS Women with fear of birth have various reasons and diverse complexities behind their fear. Health care providers need to investigate these reasons and support pregnant women with childbirth fear, based on their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingegerd Hildingsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Margareta Johansson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Horsch A, Garthus-Niegel S, Ayers S, Chandra P, Hartmann K, Vaisbuch E, Lalor J. Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder: definition, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S1116-S1127. [PMID: 38233316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.09.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Psychological birth trauma and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder represent a substantial burden of disease with 6.6 million mothers and 1.7 million fathers or co-parents affected by childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder worldwide each year. There is mounting evidence to indicate that parents who develop childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder do so as a direct consequence of a traumatic childbirth experience. High-risk groups, such as those who experience preterm birth, stillbirth, or preeclampsia, have higher prevalence rates. The main risks include antenatal factors (eg, depression in pregnancy, fear of childbirth, poor health or complications in pregnancy, history of trauma or sexual abuse, or mental health problems), perinatal factors (eg, negative subjective birth experience, operative birth, obstetrical complications, and severe maternal morbidity, as well as maternal near misses, lack of support, dissociation), and postpartum factors (eg, depression, postpartum physical complications, and poor coping and stress). The link between birth events and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder provides a valuable opportunity to prevent traumatic childbirths and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder from occurring in the first place. Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder is an extremely distressing mental disorder and has a substantial negative impact on those who give birth, fathers or co-parents, and, potentially, the whole family. Still, a traumatic childbirth experience and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder remain largely unrecognized in maternity services and are not routinely screened for during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In fact, there are gaps in the evidence on how, when, and who to screen. Similarly, there is a lack of evidence on how best to treat those affected. Primary prevention efforts (eg, screening for antenatal risk factors, use of trauma-informed care) are aimed at preventing a traumatic childbirth experience and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder in the first place by eliminating or reducing risk factors for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Secondary prevention approaches (eg, trauma-focused psychological therapies, early psychological interventions) aim to identify those who have had a traumatic childbirth experience and to intervene to prevent the development of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Tertiary prevention (eg, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) seeks to ensure that people with childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder are identified and treated to recovery so that childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder does not become chronic. Adequate prevention, screening, and intervention could alleviate a considerable amount of suffering in affected families. In light of the available research on the impact of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder on families, it is important to develop and evaluate assessment, prevention, and treatment interventions that target the birthing person, the couple dyad, the parent-infant dyad, and the family as a whole. Further research should focus on the inclusion of couples in different constellations and, more generally, on the inclusion of more diverse populations in diverse settings. The paucity of national and international policy guidance on the prevention, care, and treatment of psychological birth trauma and the lack of formal psychological birth trauma services and training, highlight the need to engage with service managers and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department Woman-mother-child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne.
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM), Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prabha Chandra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Edi Vaisbuch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joan Lalor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Šoštarić M, Mikac U, Jokić-Begić N. Understanding cyberchondria in pregnant women: longitudinal assessment of risk factors, triggers, and outcomes. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 44:2265050. [PMID: 37800570 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2023.2265050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy often triggers anxiety and health concerns in women, leading many to search for health information online. Excessive, compulsive, and repetitive online health research, accompanied by heightened anxiety, can result in cyberchondria. This study aimed to explore the risk factors, triggers, and outcomes of cyberchondria in pregnant women. A total of 149 participants completed an online questionnaire longitudinally across three stages of pregnancy: early (14-19 weeks), mid (24-29 weeks), and late pregnancy (34-39 weeks). The findings revealed that health anxiety and the cognitive component of anxiety sensitivity are risk factors for cyberchondria during pregnancy. Pregnancy concerns related to motherhood emerged as triggers for cyberchondria. While a connection between cyberchondria and fear of birth was observed, fear of birth did not appear to be a direct outcome of cyberchondria. These results highlight the importance of addressing health anxiety, cognitive anxiety sensitivity and motherhood concerns in prenatal care and support interventions. Understanding the factors contributing to cyberchondria in pregnant women can assist healthcare professionals in providing targeted support and resources to mitigate excessive online health searching behaviors and alleviate anxiety during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Šoštarić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Una Mikac
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nataša Jokić-Begić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Kahraman HG, Gökçe İsbir G. The effect of continuous intrapartum supportive care on maternal mental health: a randomized controlled trial. Women Health 2023; 63:774-786. [PMID: 37807722 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2266009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Supportive care during labor is the primary role of intrapartum nurses and midwives and provides comfort for women allowing them to have a positive experience. It is argued that supportive care during labor reduces fear and resultant side effects. However, evidence for different parameters of mental health is insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous intrapartum supportive care on the fear of childbirth, perceived control and support at birth, birth trauma and maternal attachment. This is a randomized controlled study with an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group included 40 women receiving continuous intrapartum supportive care and the control group included 40 women receiving routine care. Thirty women in the intervention group and 29 women in the control group completed the study. No significant differences were detected between the two groups at baseline (p > .05). Continuous intrapartum supportive care significantly decreased fear of birth and birth trauma, and significantly increased perceived intrapartum control and support and postpartum maternal attachment (p < .01). Results from this evidence-based study suggest that continuous intrapartum supportive care could protect and maintain perinatal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gözde Gökçe İsbir
- School of Health, Midwifery Department, Mersin University, Mersin, Türkiye
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Zeng T, Yuan M, Wu M, Chen Y, Zhang K. Why do pregnant women with fear of birth prefer vaginal birth? A qualitative study in China. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1110116. [PMID: 36910818 PMCID: PMC9996290 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fear of birth (FOB) is becoming increasingly recognized as a mental health issue that may endanger maternal and infant health and affects women's subsequent fertility desires. It has also been shown to be related to the choice of delivery mode. Given the differences in healthcare systems and policies between countries, and the gaps in the exploration of women's experience of fear of birth and its association with the delivery mode in the Chinese cultural context, this study thus attempt to understand Chinese women's experience with fear of birth and their preferences for delivery mode through a qualitative study. Methods A descriptive qualitative research was performed among twenty pregnant women from the obstetric outpatient of a tertiary hospital in China. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze the participants' data. Results We proposed three themes and nine subthemes on the participants' experience with fear of birth: (1) an invisible dilemma: trapped in lingering fear (fear of all sides, the untold loneliness, and ambivalence with mixed feelings); (2) an unexpected decision: choose to give birth naturally (initiative selection and passive acceptance); and (3) A strength to confront challenges head-on: move forward with fear (awaken of maternal spirit, hope in bloom, Chinese tolerance culture, and obstetric analgesia). Conclusion Fear of birth is a complex emotion, accompanied by feelings of loneliness and ambivalence in addition to fear. We found that women with fear of birth in this study prefer vaginal birth, and it was revealed to be the result of a combined action of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieying Zeng
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengmei Yuan
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiliyang Wu
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Hildingsson I, Nilsson J, Merio E, Larsson B. Anxiety and depressive symptoms in women with fear of birth: A longitudinal cohort study. Eur J Midwifery 2021; 5:32. [PMID: 34396062 PMCID: PMC8328228 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/138941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety and depression during pregnancy could imply difficulties in the attachment to the unborn baby. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and change in anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women with fear of birth. Another aim was to explore associations between symptoms of anxiety and depression on prenatal attachment. METHODS This is a longitudinal cohort study of 77 pregnant women with fear of birth in three hospitals in Sweden. Data were collected by three questionnaires in mid and late pregnancy and two months after birth. RESULTS Anxiety symptoms were more often reported than depressive symptoms, significantly decreasing over time in both conditions. Anxiety symptoms were associated with low education level, negative feelings towards the upcoming birth, and levels of fear of birth. Depressive symptoms were associated with levels of fear of birth. One in five women presented with fear of birth, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, suggesting that co-morbidity was quite common in this sample. Depressive symptoms and co-morbidity were negatively associated with prenatal attachment. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with fear of birth vary over time and that co-morbidity is quite common. Lack of emotional well-being was related to prenatal attachment. Healthcare professionals must identify and support women with anxiety and depressive symptoms and fear of birth so that difficulties in the relationship between the mother and the newborn baby might be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingegerd Hildingsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Johanna Nilsson
- Department of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Elida Merio
- Department of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Larsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.,Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University College, Stockholm, Sweden
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Preis H, Mahaffey B, Lobel M. The role of pandemic-related pregnancy stress in preference for community birth during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Birth 2021; 48:242-250. [PMID: 33677838 PMCID: PMC8250474 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unparalleled uncertainty into the lives of pregnant women, including concerns about where it is the safest to give birth, while preserving their rights and wishes. Reports on the increased interest in community births (at home or in birth centers) are emerging. The purpose of this project was to quantitatively investigate psychological factors related to this birth preference. METHODS This study included 3896 pregnant women from the COVID-19 Pregnancy Experiences (COPE) Study who were anticipating a vaginal birth. COPE Study participants were recruited online between April 24 and May 15, 2020, and completed a questionnaire that included preference with respect to place of birth and psychological constructs: fear of childbirth, basic beliefs about birth, pandemic-related preparedness stress, and pandemic-related perinatal infection stress. RESULTS Women who preferred a community birth, on average, had less childbirth fear, had stronger beliefs that birth is a natural process, were less likely to see birth as a medical process, and were less stressed about being unprepared for birth and being infected with COVID-19. In multivariate models, higher stress about perinatal COVID-19 infection was associated with greater likelihood of preferring a community birth. The effect of perinatal infection stress on preference was stronger when preparedness stress was high. DISCUSSION Women's birth preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with psychological processes related to risk perception. Community births are more appealing to women who view being in a hospital as hazardous because of the pandemic. Policies and prenatal care aimed to increase access to safe in-hospital and out-of-hospital birth services should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Preis
- Department of PsychologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Department of PediatricsRenaissance School of MedicineStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Brittain Mahaffey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral HealthRenaissance School of MedicineStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Marci Lobel
- Department of PsychologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
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Demirel G, Kaya N, Evcili F. The relationship between women's perception of support and control during childbirth on fear of birth and mother's satisfaction. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:83-90. [PMID: 33938354 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1882970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted in order to determine the relationship between women's perception of support and control during childbirth on fear of birth and mother's satisfaction. This descriptive study was carried out at the postpartum clinics of a state hospital. Seven hundred and twenty-five puerperal women were included in the sample. T test in independent groups and Pearson's correlation test were used in the evaluation of the data. Seventy-six percent of the puerperal women had vaginal birth, 24% had caesarean section. The mother's perception of control and support at birth was moderate (99.04 ± 17.30), the fear of birth was at clinical level in most of them (92.8%), and the satisfaction at vaginal and caesarean births was low. Puerperal women who had a planned pregnancy, non-invasive birth, birth without perineal tear had higher support and control perception at birth and lower fear of birth than who had unplanned pregnancy, invasive birth, or birth with a perineal tear (p<.05). Puerperal women who did not have any health problems during pregnancy and postpartum period had higher satisfaction levels compared to those who did (p<.05). The high level of perception of support and control at birth decreases the fear of childbirth and increases the satisfaction levels of puerperal women in vaginal and caesarean births. All health professionals, especially perinatal nurses and midwives, should strive to implement care initiatives that are appropriate to the needs of women.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The mode of delivery, insufficient supportive care during delivery, or perception of supportive care received are among the causes of trauma among women. Birth trauma may cause women to experience stress, anxiety, fear and loss of control, and maternal and foetal/neonatal health is adversely influenced during the delivery and postpartum period. A literature review revealed no study examining the effect of maternal perception of support and control during delivery on fear of childbirth and maternal satisfaction.What the results of this study add? Stronger perception of support and control during delivery reduces fear of childbirth, and also increases puerperal women's levels of satisfaction from care during vaginal and caesarean deliveries.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Facilitating women's achievement of personal control and expectations during childbirth should be the focus of care interventions. In line with these results, it may be recommended that all healthcare professionals, especially perinatal nurses and midwives, strive to implement care initiatives that comply with the needs of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulbahtiyar Demirel
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Nurdan Kaya
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Funda Evcili
- Department of Child Development, Vocational School of Health Care Services, Child Care and Youth Services, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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Vismara L, Sechi C, Neri M, Paoletti A, Lucarelli L. Maternal perinatal depression, anxiety, fear of birth, and perception of infants' negative affectivity at three months. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2020; 39:532-543. [PMID: 33172285 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2020.1843612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate whether a mother's anxiety, depression, prenatal perception of childbirth, and experience with delivery, assessed from pregnancy to three months postpartum, were associated with her perception of her infant's negative affectivity (NA). The participant sample was composed of 76 primiparous mothers and their healthy babies (58% boys, 42% girls). During pregnancy, mothers independently filled out the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaires (W-DEQ) version A. One month after giving birth, the mothers filled out the W-DEQ version B. Finally, three months after giving birth, they completed the EPDS, the STAI, and the four Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ-R) scales of NA. Linear regression analyses showed that perinatal FoB, trait anxiety, and depression were associated with a maternal perception of higher infant NA. Studies on perinatal parental health and child outcomes should include assessments of the relation between anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum depression in order to prevent any negative impacts on the temperaments of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vismara
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, Faculty of Human Studies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, Faculty of Human Studies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manuela Neri
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Paoletti
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Loredana Lucarelli
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, Faculty of Human Studies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Han Q, Guo M, Ren F, Duan D, Xu X. Role of midwife-supported psychotherapy on antenatal depression, anxiety and maternal health: A meta-analysis and literature review. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:2599-2610. [PMID: 32765754 PMCID: PMC7401497 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of depression and anxiety during the antenatal stage of pregnancy is common. Despite the conception of numerous interventions in the past decades, studies show no signs of decline in the prevalence of antenatal depression and anxiety. Recently, the use of midwife-supported psychotherapy to treat these psychosomatic disorders has garnered a lot of attention. However, no attempt to date has been made to synthesize the evidence evaluating the influence of midwife-supported psychotherapy on antenatal depression, anxiety, and overall maternal health-status. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to demonstrate the effectiveness of midwife-supported psychotherapy on depression, anxiety, and maternal health-status outcome during the antenatal stage of pregnancy. A systematic identification of literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on four academic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE and CENTRAL. A meta-analysis evaluated the influence of midwife-supported psychotherapy on depression, anxiety, and maternal health-status outcome as compared to conventional obstetric care. Of the 1,011 records, 17 articles, including 6,193 pregnant women (mean age: 28.9±2.2 years) were included in this meta-analysis. Eleven studies compared the effects of midwife-supported therapy on depression, 14 compared its effects on anxiety and 2 compared its effects on maternal health-status outcome. The meta-analysis reveals the beneficial effects of midwife-supported psychotherapy for reducing depression (Hedge's g: -0.9), anxiety (-0.8) and enhancing maternal health-status outcome (0.1), as compared to conventional obstetric care. The current systematic review and meta-analysis recommend the use of midwife-supported psychotherapy for the reduction of depression, anxiety and enhancing maternal health-status during the antenatal stage of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Han
- Department of Obstetrics, Zaozhuang Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Min Guo
- Department of Obstetrics, Zaozhuang Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Fenfen Ren
- Department of Obstetrics, Zaozhuang Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Dongyun Duan
- Department of Obstetrics, Zaozhuang Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Xiufeng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Zaozhuang Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are common psychological manifestations encountered during the antenatal stage of pregnancy. Treatments by pharmacological interventions have been reported to impart negative implications on maternal and fetal health outcomes. Therefore, the use of psychotherapeutic interventions to bypass these side-effects and manage depression, anxiety has received a lot of attention. A meta-statistical consensus regarding the intervention is available, but with several limitations. In this study, we attempt to address these limitations and provide the current state of evidence evaluating the influence of psychotherapy on antenatal depression, anxiety, and maternal quality of life. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the effects of psychotherapy on depression, anxiety, and maternal quality of life during the antenatal stage of pregnancy. METHODS A systematic identification of literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on four academic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. A meta-analysis evaluated the influence of psychotherapy on depression, anxiety, and maternal quality of life as compared to conventional obstetric care. RESULTS Out of 1146 records, 22 articles including 2146 pregnant women (mean age: 28.6 ± 2.8 years) were included in this review. This systematic review presents a 1b level of evidence supporting the use of psychotherapy for reducing depression, anxiety and enhancing maternal quality of life. The meta-analysis reveals the beneficial effects of psychotherapy for reducing depression (Hedge g: -0.48), anxiety (-0.47) and enhancing maternal quality of life (0.19) as compared to conventional obstetric care. CONCLUSIONS The current systematic review and meta-analysis recommend the use of psychotherapy as for reducing depression, anxiety and enhancing maternal quality of life during the antenatal stage of pregnancy.
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Rondung E, Ekdahl J, Sundin Ö. Potential mechanisms in fear of birth: The role of pain catastrophizing and intolerance of uncertainty. Birth 2019; 46:61-68. [PMID: 29954044 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many pregnant women experience fear, worry, or anxiety relating to the upcoming birth, little is known regarding the psychological mechanisms contributing to these experiences. In this study, we wanted to take a first step in trying to identify mechanisms of potential interest. The objective of this cross-sectional study was thus to investigate pain catastrophizing, intolerance of uncertainty, positive worry beliefs, and cognitive avoidance as potential mechanisms predicting fear of birth among pregnant women. METHODS A sample of 499 pregnant women, recruited in antenatal health care settings in 2 Swedish regions, completed the Fear of Birth Scale, along with measurements of the mechanisms of interest. Linear and logistic hierarchical regression analyses were used to investigate the extent to which pain catastrophizing, intolerance of uncertainty, positive worry beliefs, and cognitive avoidance predicted fear of birth, both as a continuous and a dichotomous measure. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis showed high levels of pain catastrophizing and intolerance of uncertainty to be the best predictors of fear of birth, OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.17-5.61) and OR 3.25 (95% CI 2.00-5.27), respectively. Positive beliefs about worry and cognitive avoidance were both correlated with fear of birth as a continuous measure, but did not contribute to the logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS Pain catastrophizing and intolerance of uncertainty were the most evident predictors of fear of birth. Although preliminary, the findings suggest that interventions targeting catastrophic cognitions and intolerance of uncertainty might be relevant to psychological treatment for fear, worry, or anxiety relating to giving birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rondung
- Department of Psychology, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Johanna Ekdahl
- Department of Psychology, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Örjan Sundin
- Department of Psychology, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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Rondung E, Ternström E, Hildingsson I, Haines HM, Sundin Ö, Ekdahl J, Karlström A, Larsson B, Segeblad B, Baylis R, Rubertsson C. Comparing Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Standard Care for Women With Fear of Birth: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2018; 5:e10420. [PMID: 30097422 PMCID: PMC6109226 DOI: 10.2196/10420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many pregnant women report fear related to the approaching birth, no consensus exists on how fear of birth should be handled in clinical care. OBJECTIVE This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of a guided internet-based self-help program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (guided ICBT) with standard care on the levels of fear of birth in a sample of pregnant women reporting fear of birth. METHODS This nonblinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial with a parallel design was conducted at three study centers (hospitals) in Sweden. Recruitment commenced at the ultrasound screening examination during gestational weeks 17-20. The therapist-guided ICBT intervention was inspired by the Unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders and consisted of 8 treatment modules and 1 module for postpartum follow-up. The aim was to help participants observe and understand their fear of birth and find new ways of coping with difficult thoughts and emotions. Standard care was offered in the three different study regions. The primary outcome was self-assessed levels of fear of birth, measured using the Fear of Birth Scale. RESULTS We included 258 pregnant women reporting clinically significant levels of fear of birth (guided ICBT group, 127; standard care group, 131). Of the 127 women randomized to the guided ICBT group, 103 (81%) commenced treatment, 60 (47%) moved on to the second module, and only 13 (10%) finished ≥4 modules. The levels of fear of birth did not differ between the intervention groups postintervention. At 1-year postpartum follow-up, participants in the guided ICBT group exhibited significantly lower levels of fear of birth (U=3674.00, z=-1.97, P=.049, Cohen d=0.28, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.57). Using the linear mixed models analysis, an overall decrease in the levels of fear of birth over time was found (P≤ .001), along with a significant interaction between time and intervention, showing a larger reduction in fear of birth in the guided ICBT group over time (F1,192.538=4.96, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Fear of birth decreased over time in both intervention groups; while the decrease was slightly larger in the guided ICBT group, the main effect of time alone, regardless of treatment allocation, was most evident. Poor treatment adherence to guided ICBT implies low feasibility and acceptance of this treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02306434; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02306434 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70sj83qat).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rondung
- Department of Psycholgy, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Elin Ternström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingegerd Hildingsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Helen M Haines
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Örjan Sundin
- Department of Psycholgy, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Johanna Ekdahl
- Department of Psycholgy, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Birgitta Segeblad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Baylis
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christine Rubertsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund university, Lund, Sweden
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Stoll K, Swift EM, Fairbrother N, Nethery E, Janssen P. A systematic review of nonpharmacological prenatal interventions for pregnancy-specific anxiety and fear of childbirth. Birth 2018; 45:7-18. [PMID: 29057487 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a sharp increase in the number of publications that report on treatment options for pregnancy-specific anxiety and fear of childbirth (PSA/FoB), no systematic review of nonpharmacological prenatal interventions for PSA/FoB has been published. Our team addressed this gap, as an important first step in developing guidelines and recommendations for the treatment of women with PSA/FoB. METHODS Two databases (PubMed and Mendeley) were searched, using a combination of 42 search terms. After removing duplicates, two authors independently assessed 208 abstracts. Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria, ie, the article reported on an intervention, educational component, or treatment regime for PSA/FoB during pregnancy, and included a control group. Independent quality assessments resulted in the retention of seven studies. RESULTS Six of seven included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one a quasi-experimental study. Five studies received moderate quality ratings and two strong ratings. Five of seven studies reported significant changes in PSA/FoB, as a result of the intervention. Short individual psychotherapeutic interventions (1.5-5 hours) delivered by midwives or obstetricians were effective for women with elevated childbirth fear. Interventions that were effective for pregnant women with a range of different fear/anxiety levels were childbirth education at the hospital (2 hours), prenatal Hatha yoga (8 weeks), and an 8-week prenatal education course (16 hours). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this review can inform the development of treatment approaches to support pregnant women with PSA/FoB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Stoll
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Emma Marie Swift
- Department of Nursing, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Nichole Fairbrother
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Island Medical Program, Victoria, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Nethery
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Patricia Janssen
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Stoll K, Edmonds JK, Hall WA. Fear of Childbirth and Preference for Cesarean Delivery Among Young American Women Before Childbirth: A Survey Study. Birth 2015; 42:270-6. [PMID: 26104997 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of birth and mode of delivery preferences are similar among pregnant and nonpregnant women, suggesting that attitudes toward birth are formed in young adulthood or earlier. Understanding why some young women fear birth and prefer obstetric interventions can inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing fear and promoting birth as a normal life event. METHODS We conducted an online survey with 752 American nulliparous young women to assess their preferences and attitudes toward childbirth. We identified explanatory variables associated with reported fear of childbirth and cesarean delivery (CD) preferences. RESULTS A preference for CD was reported by 14 percent of young women and 27 percent had scores indicating elevated fear of birth. Fear of birth increased the likelihood of cesarean preference (adjusted relative risk (ARR) 3.84 [95% CI 2.49-5.95]) as did a family history of CD (ARR 1.65 [95% CI 1.13-2.42]). The likelihood of reporting elevated childbirth fear was increased among young women who reported concerns about the physical changes pregnancy and birth have on women's bodies (ARR 2.04 [95% CI 1.50-2.78]). Young women who reported a high degree of confidence in their knowledge about childbirth were significantly less likely to report childbirth fear (ARR 0.61 [95% CI 0.42-0.87]). Access to childbirth information was also associated with a decreased likelihood of fear of birth (ARR 0.75 [95% CI 0.59-0.95]). CONCLUSIONS Young women reporting high levels of childbirth fear are nearly four times more likely to prefer a CD. Specific fears, such as worries over the influence of pregnancy and birth on the female body, need to be addressed before pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Stoll
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Wendy A Hall
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
In our secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey, we explored predictors of childbirth fear for young women (n = 2,676). Young women whose attitudes toward pregnancy and birth were shaped by the media were 1.5 times more likely to report childbirth fear. Three factors that were associated with reduced fear of birth were women's confidence in reproductive knowledge, witnessing a birth, and learning about pregnancy and birth through friends. Offering age-appropriate birth education during primary and secondary education, as an alternative to mass-mediated information about birth, can be evaluated as an approach to reduce young women's childbirth fear.
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Elvander C, Cnattingius S, Kjerulff KH. Birth experience in women with low, intermediate or high levels of fear: findings from the first baby study. Birth 2013; 40:289-96. [PMID: 24344710 PMCID: PMC3868996 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of childbirth and mode of delivery are two known factors that affect birth experience. The interactions between these two factors are unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of different levels of fear of birth and mode of delivery on birth experience 1 month after birth. METHODS As part of an ongoing prospective study, we interviewed 3,006 women in their third trimester and 1 month after first childbirth to assess fear of birth and birth experience. Logistic regression was performed to examine the interactions and associations between fear of birth, mode of delivery and birth experience. RESULTS Compared with women with low levels of fear of birth, women with intermediate levels of fear, and women with high levels of fear had a more negative birth experience and were more affected by an unplanned cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery. Compared with women with low levels of fears with a noninstrumental vaginal delivery, women with high levels of fear who were delivered by unplanned cesarean section had a 12-fold increased risk of reporting a negative birth experience (OR 12.25; 95% CI 7.19-20.86). A noninstrumental vaginal delivery was associated with the most positive birth experience among the women in this study. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that both levels of prenatal fear of childbirth and mode of delivery are important for birth experience. Women with low fear of childbirth who had a noninstrumental vaginal delivery reported the most positive birth experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Elvander
- Charlotte Elvander is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and a doctoral student at the Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, KarolinskaInstitutet, Stockholm
| | - Sven Cnattingius
- Sven Cnattingius is a senior Professor at the Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, KarolinskaInstitutet, Stockholm
| | - Kristen H. Kjerulff
- Kristen H. Kjerulff is Professor in the Departments of Public Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Haines HM, Hildingsson I, Pallant JF, Rubertsson C. The role of women's attitudinal profiles in satisfaction with the quality of their antenatal and intrapartum care. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2013; 42:428-41. [PMID: 23773005 DOI: 10.1111/1552-6909.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare perceptions of antenatal and intrapartum care in women categorized into three profiles based on attitudes and fear. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal cohort study using self-report questionnaires. Profiles were constructed from responses to the Birth Attitudes Profile Scale and the Fear of Birth Scale at pregnancy weeks 18 to 20. Perception of the quality of care was measured using the Quality from Patient's Perspective index at 34 to 36 weeks pregnancy and 2 months after birth. SETTING Two hospitals in Sweden and Australia. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred and five (505) pregnant women from one hospital in Västernorrland, Sweden (n = 386) and one in northeast Victoria, Australia (n = 123). RESULTS Women were categorized into three profiles: self-determiners, take it as it comes, and fearful. The self-determiners reported the best outcomes, whereas the fearful were most likely to perceive deficient care. Antenatally the fearful were more likely to indicate deficiencies in medical care, emotional care, support received from nurse-midwives or doctors and nurse-midwives'/doctors' understanding of the woman's situation. They also reported deficiencies in two aspects of intrapartum care: support during birth and control during birth. CONCLUSIONS Attitudinal profiling of women during pregnancy may assist clinicians to deliver the style and content of antenatal and intrapartum care to match what women value and need. An awareness of a woman's fear of birth provides an opportunity to offer comprehensive emotional support with the aim of promoting a positive birth experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Haines
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Uppsala University, Akademiskasjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
Childbirth educator Kathryn McGrath reflects on fear and courage and comes to see some levels of fear as a normal part of the process of pregnancy and birth and not something to be brushed aside. In this article, originally presented as a keynote address in 2005 at the Lamaze International Annual Conference, McGrath discusses fear during pregnancy and birth and presents ways in which the childbirth educator can acknowledge and accept women's fears, and help find the courage they need to give birth.
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