The Influence of Antenatal Relaxation Classes on Childbirth Experienc
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Influence of Antenatal Relaxation Classes (ARC) on Childbirth Experiences and Maternal Psychological Wellbeing: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Study
IRAS ID
217720
Contact name
Mo Tabib
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edinburgh Napier University
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
Background: The way pregnant women experience their childbirth continuum has a profound impact on their psychological wellbeing. Research suggests that antenatal education that incorporates relaxation techniques may influence childbirth experiences and maternal psychological wellbeing. The aim of the study will be to explore the influence of a one-off, three-hour session incorporating education on physiology of childbirth and relaxation techniques on childbirth experiences and maternal psychological wellbeing.
Methodology: The research will take an exploratory sequential mixed method approach. The initial qualitative phase of the study aims to explore the influence of the antenatal relaxation class on childbirth experiences from women and their birth partners’ perspective. A follow up quantitative phase will then examine the generalisability of the salient themes inferred from phase 1 in a larger sample.
Methods: In phase 1, a purposive sample of 8-12 women and their birth partners will be recruited to participate in individual/ joint semi-structured in-depth interviews. The collected data will be analysed using fundamental descriptive qualitative and thematic analysis. During phase 2, a sample of 108 women will be recruited to assess the impact of ARC on psychological wellbeing, with data captured at baseline, compared to post class and post birth. The instruments for phase 2 will be selected based on the findings of phase 1.
Impact: Findings of the study will have the potential to impact women’s and their partners’ choices with regard to preparation for childbirth, enhance the future provision of antenatal education and inform maternity policy. The findings of the study may also provide a ground for further research.Summary of Results:
ARC was identified as a turning point where the combination of ‘understanding the physiological processes’, ‘hearing positive childbirth stories’ and ‘practice of relaxation exercises’ made the participants feel confident, equipped, empowered, and excited about the upcoming birth. These feelings were coupled with an alleviation in childbirth-related fears and anxieties. Through relaxation practices an altered state of consciousness (ASC) was experienced, when the mind was quiet, and the body relaxed. This state was identified as an inner resource, a respite that they could enter whenever needed during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond.
During pregnancy, the learned techniques were used to reduce anxiety, control panic attacks, prevent stress when undergoing medical procedures, and deal with insomnia and physical pain. In addition, entering this state helped maternal-fetal bonding, and mental preparation for childbirth.
During childbirth, the techniques were utilised to handle the stress when undergoing medical procedures and to manage the labour pain. However, remaining in an ASC during labour, particularly for long periods of time also depended on the birth space. The physical surroundings, birth attendants particularly the midwife and birth partner, and clinical picture of the experience were the main factors influencing the birth space and consequently mitigating the influence of ARC during labour and birth.
After birth, some participants continued to apply the learned techniques innovatively for a range of purposes including overcoming the challenges of becoming a new parent, breastfeeding challenges, and managing stress.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0666
Date of REC Opinion
8 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion