Effectiveness of a Breathing and Relaxation Technique in Antenatal Education

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

68 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-11-01

Study Completion Date

2025-03-25

Brief Summary

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The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to compare the effects of an antenatal education class including a breathing and relaxation technique on self-efficacy compared to a standard antenatal education class without a focus on breathing and relaxation techniques.

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Detailed Description

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Antenatal education classes were developed to inform expectant mothers about pregnancy, labour and birth and the postpartum period with the aim of improving pregnancy and childbirth experience. They were based, for example, on concepts of Lamaze and Grantly Dick-Read. Studies indicate positive emotional effects on labour and birth outcomes in women who attended antenatal education classes. This includes lower levels of fear of childbirth, lower rates of caesarean birth at the women's request, a higher rate of spontaneous births, and a stronger involvement of the partner, better chances of initiating breastfeeding, a lower likelihood of developing depression symptoms during the postpartum period. There is limited evidence on the link between birth preparation and neonatal outcomes. Considering recent evidence suggesting that antenatal education classes may positively influence maternal and neonatal birth outcomes, we intend to analyse an antenatal education class focusing on a breathing and relaxation technique and assess the impact of such a class on self-efficacy, as well as other maternal and neonatal birth outcomes.

Conditions

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Pregnancy

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Intervention group (BreLax)

BreLax: midwife-led antenatal education class

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

BreLax: Antenatal education class

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

An antenatal education class over 9 hours with information regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, pain management as well as the postpartum period with an integrated breathing and relaxation technique (prolonged exhalation in the individual rhythm) and 4 accompanying positions (standing upright, sitting supported, four-footed, supported lying on the side). In addition, participants receive a manual for independent practice at home.

Control group (Standard care)

Midwife-led antenatal education class

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Standard care (control)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

An antenatal education class over 9 hours, with information regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, pain management and the postpartum period as well as some relaxation exercises.

Interventions

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BreLax: Antenatal education class

An antenatal education class over 9 hours with information regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, pain management as well as the postpartum period with an integrated breathing and relaxation technique (prolonged exhalation in the individual rhythm) and 4 accompanying positions (standing upright, sitting supported, four-footed, supported lying on the side). In addition, participants receive a manual for independent practice at home.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Standard care (control)

An antenatal education class over 9 hours, with information regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, pain management and the postpartum period as well as some relaxation exercises.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* pregnant women with a singleton low-risk pregnancy
* receiving antenatal care
* being willing to attend an antenatal education class
* planning a vaginal birth
* sufficient oral and written German language knowledge