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Kitamura T, Takegata M, Usui Y, Ohashi Y, Sohda S, Takeda J, Saito T, Kasai Y, Watanabe H, Haruna M, Takeda S. Tokophobia: Psychopathology and Diagnostic Consideration of Ten Cases. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:519. [PMID: 38470630 PMCID: PMC10931235 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050519] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tokophobia is regarded as the intensive fear of childbirth that some pregnant women have. However, little is known about the psychopathological details of tokophobia (fear of childbirth). Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 10 pregnant women (nine nulliparae and one multipara) with a strong fear of childbirth were referred by obstetricians. Semi-structured psychopathological interviews were conducted, and two cases were judged to have obsession, three an overvalued idea, and one secondary delusion. Three were characterised by both obsession and overvalued idea and one by both obsession and secondary delusion. In total, six cases had features of an overvalued idea. All of the participants except one had a lifetime history of a specific phobia. In addition, their history included social phobia in two cases, panic disorder in one case, obsessive-compulsive disorder (other than tokophobia) in two cases, depressive disorder in two cases, bipolar disorder in two cases, and PTSD in six cases. To conclude, this study showed that tokophobia was not a phobic disorder but a kind of overvalued idea that requires specific assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Kitamura
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
- Kitamura KOKORO Clinic Mental Health, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- T. and F. Kitamura Foundation for Mental Health Research and Skill Advancement, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mizuki Takegata
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
| | - Yuriko Usui
- Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, the Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan; (Y.U.)
| | - Yukiko Ohashi
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
- Nursing Faculty, Josai International University, Togane 283-0002, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sohda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Jun Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (J.T.); (S.T.)
| | - Tomomi Saito
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.)
- Aiiku Research Institute for Maternal, Child Health and Welfare, Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Kasai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo 150-8935, Japan
| | | | - Megumi Haruna
- Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, the Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan; (Y.U.)
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (J.T.); (S.T.)
- Aiiku Research Institute for Maternal, Child Health and Welfare, Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
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Bakhteh A, Jaberghaderi N, Rezaei M, Naghibzadeh ZAS, Kolivand M, Motaghi Z. The effect of interventions in alleviating fear of childbirth in pregnant women: a systematic review. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:5-21. [PMID: 35435061 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2059458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Fear of Childbirth (FOC) is regarded as a general problem, which affects women's health and well-being, justifying demanding caesarean section. Several primary studies have been performed in relation to the interventions performed to reduce the fear of childbirth, which show contradictions between the results of these studies. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the different types of interventions used to reduce the fear of childbirth in pregnant mothers. METHODS In this study, systematic review of study information related to the effect of different therapies on reducing the fear of childbirth using subject-related keywords and validated with MeSH in SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (ISI) databases and Google Scholar Search Engine were extracted without any time limit until February 2021. RESULTS After removing duplicates and irrelevant works from among the 5396 articles found, 63 articles remained in the study. The participants in these 63 articles were 5415 cases and 5770 controls. In addition, three studies were on epidural anesthesia, 33 on the effects of psychotherapy, 19 on the effects of education, and eight on the influence of other interventions on alleviating FOC. As shown by the results, psychotherapy intervention and education decreased FOC significantly. CONCLUSION According to the results of this study, to prevent the fear of childbirth, pregnancy training and prenatal preparation courses are recommended to empower pregnant women. It also seems beneficial to use psychotherapy approaches for women who are afraid of childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bakhteh
- Student Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Nasrin Jaberghaderi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mansour Rezaei
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health & Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Mitra Kolivand
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zahra Motaghi
- Reproductive Health Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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Ayraler A, Tosun ŞA, Özkök S. Pregnancy school education program in mother friendly training and research hospital impact on stress and anxiety. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2023; 69:e20230279. [PMID: 37585990 PMCID: PMC10427180 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230279] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate prenatal education and its relationship with anxiety and stress in pregnant women. METHODS This research was carried out between July 1, 2022, and December 1, 2023, at Giresun Gynecology and Pediatrics Training and Research Hospital. Women aged >18 years at >20 weeks of pregnancy were included. Patients were randomized into two groups, and one group received a 4 week training on meditation, breathing exercises, and pregnancy-related health issues. A questionnaire was applied to both groups to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy, birth, medical history, the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULT The groups were similar in terms of age, educational status, anthropometric characteristics, occupation, economic status, and gestational week. There was no difference between the trained and nontrained groups in terms of the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state score. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait was significantly lower in the trained group (p=0.033). There were weak positive correlations between Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score and medication use and between State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state score and age. A negative correlation was found between the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state score and working status, showing that employed women had lower anxiety scores irrespective of training. Another weak positive correlation was found between the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait score and the presence of comorbidities. CONCLUSION State Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait anxiety was lower in pregnant women who received training on prenatal meditation, exercise, and pregnancy health; however, State Trait Anxiety Inventory-state and Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale scores were similar in the two groups. Unemployed pregnant women and those with chronic diseases appear to need closer follow-up to reduce anxiety levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Ayraler
- Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine – Giresun, Turkey
| | - Şebnem Alanya Tosun
- Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Giresun, Turkey
| | - Senem Özkök
- Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine – Giresun, Turkey
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Abdolalipour S, Charandabi SMA, Mashayekh-Amiri S, Mirghafourvand M. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on self-efficacy and fear of childbirth in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analyses. J Affect Disord 2023; 333:257-270. [PMID: 37084975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.020] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Abdolalipour
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR, Iran
| | | | - Sepideh Mashayekh-Amiri
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR, Iran
| | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- Social determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR, Iran.
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Matvienko-Sikar K, Redsell S, Flannery C. Effects of maternal stress and/or anxiety interventions in the first 1000 days:Systematic review of reviews. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023; 41:114-151. [PMID: 34555958 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2021.1976400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective interventions are needed to mitigate effects of stress and anxiety from conception and up to two years postpartum (the first 1000 days), but it is unclear what works, for what populations and at what time points. This review aimed to synthesise evidence from existing reviews of the effects of stress and anxiety interventions. METHODS A systematic review of systematic reviews was conducted. PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases were searched (inception to January 2020). Reviews were eligible if they examined effects of interventions during the first 1000 days on women's stress and/or anxiety. Extracted data were narratively synthesised. Review quality was assessed using existing recommendations including the AMSTAR tool . RESULTS Thirty-four reviews were eligible for inclusion; 21 demonstrated high methodological quality. Cognitive behavioural therapy demonstrates some beneficial effects for anxiety across the first 1000 days for general and at-risk populations. Support-based interventions demonstrate effects for stress and anxiety for at-risk mothers in the postpartum. Music, yoga and relaxation demonstrate some effects for stress and anxiety, but studies are limited by high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Existing evidence is inconsistent. Cognitive behavioural therapy and support-based interventions demonstrate some benefits. Further methodologically and conceptually robust research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Redsell
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Caragh Flannery
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Souto SPAD, Silva RCGD, Prata AP, Guerra MJ, Couto C, Albuquerque RSD. Midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women: a scoping review. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:2867-2935. [PMID: 35976033 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to map and analyze midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. INTRODUCTION Fear of childbirth is a phenomenon negatively affecting women's health and well-being before and during pregnancy. Over the past few decades, there has been growing research interest in interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. One of the challenges in midwifery care is to provide an appropriate model of care for pregnant women with fear of childbirth. Further research efforts are needed to identify midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women and to examine their characteristics. INCLUSION CRITERIA This scoping review considered studies that included midwives' interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Specifically, interventions were led and/or implemented by midwives during the antenatal period, and integrating all possible midwifery practice settings. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies were included. This review also considered systematic reviews, text and opinion papers, and conference abstracts. METHODS The JBI methodology for conducting scoping reviews was used. Published and unpublished literature in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from January 1981 to October 2020 was included. MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, MedicLatina, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. Searches for gray literature were also undertaken on the Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, British Library EThOS, OvidSP Resource Center, Banco de Teses da CAPES, and OpenGrey. A three-step search strategy was followed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was used. Two independent reviewers extracted the data using a data extraction tool developed specifically for this scoping review. RESULTS A total of 3704 articles were identified and screened, of which 34 articles were included. The majority of studies had been published in the past 10 years (88%) in Scandinavian countries or Australia (79%). Several midwives' antenatal interventions were found, such as midwife-led team models of care. Midwives played a facilitator role that varied across the included studies. In 20 studies (59%), midwives led and implemented the interventions alone ( n = 13; 38%) or with the participation of other health professionals ( n = 7; 21%). In the remaining 14 studies (41%), midwives were part of a multidisciplinary team that included different health professionals (mainly obstetricians and psychologists) who had been involved in delivering interventions alongside midwives or with minor participation from midwives. Counseling ( n = 12; 35%) and psychoeducation ( n = 8; 24%) were the most common midwife interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Midwives working across their full scope of practice play a pivotal role in reducing fear of childbirth, which may explain the variety of midwives' antenatal interventions. Reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women and promoting normal childbirth as a positive experience are key features of midwives' interventions, which should include women's empowerment measures. Evidence-based midwife-led intervention programs for pregnant women with fear of childbirth should be designed and tested to improve clinical practice as well as women's reproductive outcomes and perinatal experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Patrícia Arantes do Souto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal.,Maternity unit, Hospital Center Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
| | - Rosa Carla Gomes da Silva
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC).,Portugal Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Nursing School of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Prata
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Guerra
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Couto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal.,Maternity unit, Hospital Center Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
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Ahmadpour P, Moosavi S, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Jahanfar S, Mirghafourvand M. Effect of implementing a birth plan on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:862. [PMID: 36419027 PMCID: PMC9682672 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The birth plan is an approach for pregnant women to offering their expectations of labor and birth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of birth plan on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial performed on 106 pregnant women, 32-36 weeks of pregnancy, referring to Taleghani educational hospital in Tabriz city-Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to the two groups of birth plan and control using a randomized block method. Participants in the birth plan group received the interventions based on the mother's requested birth plan. The birth plan included items of the mother's preferences in labor, mobility, eating and drinking, monitoring, pain relief, drug options, labor augmentation, pushing, amniotomy, episiotomy, infant care, and caesarean section. The control group received routine hospital care. The primary outcomes were childbirth experience and duration of the active phase of labor and the secondary outcomes were support and control in labor, fear of labor, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression, duration of the second and third phases of labor, frequency of vaginal delivery, frequency of admission of newborn in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), the mean first and fifth minute Apgar scores. The socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics questionnaire, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ-versions A), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were completed at the beginning of the study (at the gestational age of 32-36 weeks). The questionnaire of delivery information, neonatal information, and Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) was completed during and after the delivery. Also, a partogram was completed for all participants by the researcher. The participants in both groups followed up until 4-6 weeks post-delivery, whereby the instruments of Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0 (CEQ2.0), Support and Control In Birth (SCIB) scale, EPDS, and PTSD Symptom Scale 1 (PSS-I) were completed by the researcher through an interview. The independent t-test, the chi-square test, and ANCOVA was used to analyze. RESULTS The mean (SD) of CEQ score was singificnalty higher in in the birth plan group (3.2 ± 0.2) compared to the control (2.1 ± 0.2) (MD = 1.0; 95% CI: 1.1 to 0.9; P˂0.001). Also, the mean (SD) SCIB score in the birth plan group was significantly higher than that of those in the control group (P˂0.001). The mean scores of DFS (P = 0.015), EPDS (P˂0.001), and PTSD (P˂0.001) as well as the frequency of emergency caesarean section (P = 0.007) in the birth plan group were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION This was the first study to assess the implementation of a birth plan in Iran. Based on the findings, a birth plan improves childbirth experiences; increases perceived support and control in labor; reduces fear of delivery; suppresses psychological symptoms of depression and PTSD, and increases the frequency of vaginal delivery. TRIAL REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N58. Date of registration: 07/07/2020; URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/47007 ; Date of first registration: 19/07/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parivash Ahmadpour
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Students’ Research Committee, Midwifery Department, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Moosavi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Women Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz , Iran
| | | | - Shayesteh Jahanfar
- grid.253856.f0000 0001 2113 4110Public Health Department, Central Michigan University, Michigan, USA
| | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz , Iran
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Türkçapar AF, Öznas S, Boysan M. A preliminary investigation into testing a transdiagnostic cognitive model of fear of childbirth (FOC): a multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model. Curr Psychol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Rondung E, Magnusson S, Ternström E. Preconception fear of childbirth: experiences and needs of women fearing childbirth before first pregnancy. Reprod Health 2022; 19:202. [PMID: 36307851 PMCID: PMC9617446 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although early case studies have indicated that fear of childbirth can predate a woman’s first pregnancy, the concept of preconception fear of childbirth is largely unexplored. The few studies reporting on the prevalence of preconception fear of childbirth found higher levels than most prevalence estimates in pregnant populations. However, little is known about women’s fear of childbirth before becoming pregnant. The aim of this qualitative study was to give voice to the experiences of this often-neglected group of women. Methods To address the experiences and needs of women who do not dare become pregnant due to fear of childbirth, we conducted nine qualitative interviews and analyzed these using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The women perceived childbirth as an extremely risky event and doubted their abilities to cope with it. With increasing age, the fear became more real. It was associated with thoughts of becoming too old to be able to conceive. The women did their best to cope with fear on their own by seeking information, trying not to think about it, and using multiple strategies to avoid becoming pregnant. Despite expressing a strong wish for professional support, they all described very limited opportunities to receive support from maternal care services. They felt abandoned, left on their own in a stressful and constantly ongoing negotiation with themselves, feeling the pressure to decide whether to dare become pregnant or not. Conclusion In this study, women expressed having experienced fear of childbirth long before a first pregnancy. They felt abandoned as they had to deal with their fear by themselves, without support from maternal care services. The results point to the necessity of an increased awareness of preconception fear of childbirth. We encourage maternal care services to consider their opportunities to support these women. Many researchers have studied the experiences of pregnant women who are afraid of giving birth. Although it is known that women can fear childbirth long before becoming pregnant, little research has investigated this issue. In this study, we interviewed nine women who wanted to have children but did not dare become pregnant because they were afraid of giving birth. The women perceived childbirth as an extremely risky event and doubted their abilities to cope with it. They tried to cope with their fear by seeking information about pregnancy and childbirth. They also tried not to think about these issues and did what they could to avoid becoming pregnant. The women felt abandoned as they had to deal with their fear on their own. They wanted support from maternal care services, but this was seldom the case. Instead, they felt pressured to decide whether to dare become pregnant or not without support. Here, we want to give voice to the experiences of this often-neglected group of women and make researchers, policy makers, and health care personnel aware of the needs of women who are afraid of giving birth before becoming pregnant. We encourage maternal care services to consider how they can support these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rondung
- Department of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25, Östersund, Sweden.
| | - Susanna Magnusson
- Department of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Elin Ternström
- Institution for Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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Evans K, Spiby H, Slade M, Jomeen J, Beckhelling J. RAPID-2 study protocol: a cluster randomised feasibility trial of a midwife facilitated intervention for pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064659. [PMID: 36288833 PMCID: PMC9615978 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064659] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many women experience symptoms during pregnancy. Elevated and prolonged anxiety can have negative effects on the woman and baby. The RAPID intervention aims to provide suitable, timely support for women with mild-moderate anxiety. The RAPID intervention is based on social support, relational continuity, psychological and relaxation response theory, and comprises midwife facilitated group discussions, one-to-one support and directed self-help materials. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Four National Health Service Trusts in England that provide maternity care will be cluster randomised to the RAPID intervention plus usual care or usual care. At each intervention site, two midwives and two maternity support workers will facilitate the intervention over a 12-week period. Eligibility includes nulliparous women at 16-20 weeks of pregnancy (n=50) with self-report symptoms of mild-moderate anxiety. Community midwives will signpost women to the study. The aim of the study is to establish the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial to examine the effectiveness of the RAPID intervention in addition to usual care. The objectives are to assess recruitment and completion rates, and a qualitative assessment of women's and facilitators' experiences of participation. An estimation of change in the seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale will inform the sample size for a definitive cluster trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was given by East Midlands-Derby Research Ethics Committee 14 March 2022 (REC Reference: 22/EM/0018). Findings will be made available through publication in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and to participants. A final report will be submitted to HEE/NIHR ICA awards committee for publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN12834758.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Evans
- Research and Innovation, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Helen Spiby
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mike Slade
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Julie Jomeen
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Beckhelling
- Clinical Trials Support Unit, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
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Clemons JH, Payne D, Garrett N, Couper JM, Farrya A, Swift EM, Stoll K. Gaining insight from future mothers: A survey of attitudes and perspectives of childbirth. Midwifery 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Mousavi SR, Amiri-Farahani L, Haghani S, Pezaro S. Comparing the effect of childbirth preparation courses delivered both in-person and via social media on pregnancy experience, fear of childbirth, birth preference and mode of birth in pregnant Iranian women: A quasi-experimental study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272613. [PMID: 35930582 PMCID: PMC9355199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim
Rates of cesarean section in Iran are unnecessarily high largely due to fear of childbirth (FOC), yet this may be reduced through education. Iranian women are keen to obtain information about pregnancy and birth online though sources may not be reliable. Consequently, the present study aimed to compare the effect of childbirth preparation courses delivered both online via the social media platform ‘Telegram’ and in-person on pregnancy experience, FOC, birth preference, and mode of birth.
Methods
This quasi-experimental study included 165 primiparous pregnant women referred to the prenatal clinic in Tehran, Iran. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, who were subsequently divided into three groups; (A) social media-based educational intervention (n = 53); (B) in-person educational intervention (n = 52), and (C) a control group who received no prenatal education (n = 50). During the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, demographic questions along with the pregnancy experience scale (PES), and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (WDEQ‑A) were completed. In the 36th and 38th weeks of pregnancy, the PES and WDEQ‑A questionnaires, as well as birth preference form were further completed. Mode of birth was recorded in the first few days of postpartum. The Fisher’s exact test, along with ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between variables. A paired t-test was used to examine within-group comparisons. The Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test was used to investigate the intervening effect of economic status.
Results
Post intervention, the mean score of pregnancy experience and FOC did not differ significantly between the three groups. Also, 86.8% of participants in group A, 90.4% of participants in group B, and 62% of participants in the control group preferred to give birth vaginally, which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Moreover, 66% of participants in group A, 61.5% of participants in group B, and 50% of participants in the control group ultimately gave birth vaginally. None of the participants in group A underwent an elective cesarean section, while this rate was 7.7% and 24% for groups B and control, respectively (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Despite the non-significant differences identified between the three groups in terms of pregnancy experience and FOC, prenatal education delivered via social media may be usefully offered to Iranian women keen to receive education flexibly online.
Trial registration
Name of the Registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Trial registration number: IRCT20180427039436N2. Date of registration: 15/06/2018. URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/30890.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Robab Mousavi
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Amiri-Farahani
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nursing Care Research Center (NCRC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - Shima Haghani
- Department of Biostatistics, Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sally Pezaro
- The Centre for Healthcare Research, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Eidouzaei F, Amiri-Farahani L, Mohammadi A, Pezaro S. Exploring the Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Educations on Childbirth Self-efficacy, Childbirth Fear, and Adaptation of Maternal Role Among Primiparous Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10942-022-00472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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14
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Hyer S, Hu W, Hu M, Davis JW, Xie R, Giurgescu C. Relationship with the Father of the Baby and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety among Pregnant Black Women. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2022; 47:213-219. [PMID: 35352688 PMCID: PMC9232922 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pregnancy-related anxiety may increase the risk of preterm birth. Effective coping strategies and social support may help minimize pregnancy-related anxiety. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. METHODS A sample of 408 pregnant non-Hispanic Black women completed questionnaires between 19 and 31 weeks gestation. Mediation analysis with structural equation modeling was used to explore effects of the relationship with the father of the baby on pregnancy-related anxiety. RESULTS Support from the father of the baby was negatively associated with avoidance coping ( r = -.22, p < .001) and pregnancy-related anxiety ( r = - .17, p < .001), whereas conflict with the father of the baby was positively associated with avoidance coping ( r = .37, p < .001) and pregnancy-related anxiety ( r = .29, p < .001). Avoidance coping was positively associated with pregnancy-related anxiety ( r = .34, p < .001). After adjustment, avoidance coping partially mediated the effect of conflict with the father of the baby on pregnancy-related anxiety. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Discussions with women about management of pregnancy-related anxiety should consider her current social support and coping mechanisms. Providers should offer support and resources on adaptive coping strategies.
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Uludağ E, Cerit E, Karatepe Y. Gender roles and personality traits as predictive factors for fear of childbirth. Women Health 2022; 62:315-324. [DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2022.2068735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Uludağ
- Faculty of Health Science, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Esin Cerit
- Faculty of Health Science, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Karatepe
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
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16
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Shen Q, Huang CR, Rong L, Ju S, Redding SR, Ouyang YQ, Wang R. Effects of needs-based education for prenatal anxiety in advanced multiparas: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:301. [PMID: 35395734 PMCID: PMC8994345 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal anxiety is a common concern which may have adverse effects on maternal and infant health outcomes. Studies addressing needs-based education interventions for prenatal anxiety are limited. Aim To explore the effects of needs-based education on alleviating prenatal anxiety among advanced multiparas when compared with routine prenatal health education. Methods A total of 86 advanced multiparas were randomized into the intervention group (n = 43) or the control group (n = 43) in this study. The control group received routine prenatal care. The intervention group received five needs-based education programs presented by trained researchers. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire was used to evaluate changes in anxiety level of participants. Concurrent physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate and non-stress test were also measured. Results Scores on the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (t = 4.21, P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (t = 3.64, P < 0.05) and heart rate (t = 2.39, P < 0.05) of the intervention group were also significantly lower than the control group whereas no differences were noted in diastolic blood pressure and non-stress test. Conclusion A needs-based education program is an effective intervention strategy to allay prenatal anxiety in advanced multiparas. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as number ChiCTR2100047552.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Shen
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No.115, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Can-Ran Huang
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No.115, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liu Rong
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No.115, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shan Ju
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No.115, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | | | - Yan-Qiong Ouyang
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No.115, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Rong Wang
- Nursing Department of East Campus, Renming Hospital of Wuhan University, Gaoxin Sixth Road, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Ben Rafael S, Aviv Sourasky Medical Center T. Dual-Session Tokophobia Intervention, a Novel Ultrashort Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Protocol for Women Suffering From Tokophobia in the Third Term of Pregnancy. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Aba YA, Dulger O, Sık BA, Ozolcay O. Levels and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in Turkish Pregnant Woman During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2022; 44:100-108. [PMID: 35213907 PMCID: PMC9948054 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In addition to being a medical phenomenon, pandemics affect the individual and society on several levels and lead to disruptions. In the pandemic process, different groups in the population, including pregnant women as a defenseless group, are subjected to psychological threat. The present study aimed to determine the levels of anxiety and depression and related factors in pregnant women during the the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. METHODS The present cross-sectional study was conducted with 269 pregnant women through face-to-face interviews held in Istanbul, Turkey. Regarding the data collection tools, the Cronbach α reliability coefficient was of 0.90 for the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and of 0.85 for the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS Among the participating pregnant women, 30.5% had mild, 17.5% had moderate, and 5.9% had severe anxiety symptoms, whereas 35.3% had mild, 16.7% had moderate, and 2.2% had severe depression symptoms. We found that those who were concerned about their health had 5.36 times (p = 0.04) more risk of developing anxiety, and 4.82 times (p = 0.01) more risk of developing depression than those who were not concerned. Those who had a history of psychiatric disease had 3.92 times (p = 0.02) more risk of developing anxiety than those without it. CONCLUSION We determined that about half of the pregnant women included in the study had some degree of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk factors for anxiety and depression among the pregnant women were determined as smoking, concerns about health and getting infected with the coronavirus, history of psychiatric disease, and undergoing regular antenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yılda Arzu Aba
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Dulger
- Deparment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Süleymaniye Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulat Aytek Sık
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Istanbul Aydın University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozan Ozolcay
- Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Karaman, Turkey
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19
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O’Mahen HA, Ramchandani PG, King DX, Lee-Carbon L, Wilkinson EL, Thompson-Booth C, Ericksen J, Milgrom J, Dunkley-Bent J, Halligan SL, Fearon P. Adapting and testing a brief intervention to reduce maternal anxiety during pregnancy (ACORN): report of a feasibility randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:129. [PMID: 35177019 PMCID: PMC8851863 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03737-1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the acceptability and feasibility of a new brief intervention for maternal prenatal anxiety within maternity services in London and Exeter, UK. METHODS One hundred fourteen pregnant individuals attending their 12-week scan at a prenatal clinic with elevated symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7 score of ≥7) were randomly assigned to either the ACORN intervention + Treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 57) or to usual care only (n = 57). The ACORN intervention consisted of 3 2-h group sessions, led by a midwife and psychological therapist, for pregnant individuals and their partners. The intervention included psychoeducation about anxiety, strategies for problem-sovling and tolerating uncertainty during pregnancy, including communicating about these with others, and mindfulness exercises. RESULTS Engagement rates with ACORN met or exceeded those in primary care services in England. In the intervention arm, 77% (n = 44) of participants attended at least one session, 51% (n = 29) were adherent, defined as attending two or more sessions. Feedback was positive, and participants in the ACORN treatment group demonstrated evidence of a larger drop in their levels of anxiety than the participants in the TAU-only group (Cohen's d = 0.42). CONCLUSION The ACORN intervention was acceptable to pregnant individuals and their partners and resulted in reductions in anxiety. With further evaluation in a larger-scale trial with child outcomes, there is significant potential for large scale public health benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A. O’Mahen
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Mood Disorders Research Centre, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG UK
| | - Paul G. Ramchandani
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, 7th Floor Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN UK ,grid.450578.b0000 0001 1550 1922Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2PL UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development, and Learning, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ England
| | - Dorothy X. King
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, 7th Floor Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN UK ,grid.450578.b0000 0001 1550 1922Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2PL UK
| | - Leonie Lee-Carbon
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, 7th Floor Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - Esther L. Wilkinson
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, 7th Floor Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN UK ,grid.450578.b0000 0001 1550 1922Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2PL UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Chloe Thompson-Booth
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB UK ,Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Head Office, The Lodge, Lodge Approach, Runwell, Wickford, Essex, SS11 7XX UK
| | - Jennifer Ericksen
- grid.413976.e0000 0004 0645 3457Parent-Infant Research Institute, Centaur Building, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, 300 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg Heights, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Jeannette Milgrom
- grid.413976.e0000 0004 0645 3457Parent-Infant Research Institute, Centaur Building, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, 300 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg Heights, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XMelbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Level 12, Redmond Barry Building, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent
- grid.451052.70000 0004 0581 2008NHS England, Nursing Directorate, Skipton House, 80 London Road, London, SE1 6LH UK
| | - Sarah L. Halligan
- grid.7340.00000 0001 2162 1699Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK ,grid.413335.30000 0004 0635 1506Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pasco Fearon
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB UK
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Fairbrother N, Collardeau F, Albert A, Stoll K. Screening for Perinatal Anxiety Using the Childbirth Fear Questionnaire: A New Measure of Fear of Childbirth. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19042223. [PMID: 35206412 PMCID: PMC8872365 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fear of childbirth affects as many as 20% of pregnant people, and has been associated with pregnancy termination, prolonged labour, increased risk of emergency and elective caesarean delivery, poor maternal mental health, and poor maternal-infant bonding. Currently available measures of fear of childbirth fail to fully capture pregnant people’s childbirth-related fears. The purpose of this research was to develop a new measure of fear of childbirth (the Childbirth Fear Questionnaire; CFQ) that would address the limitations of existing measures. The CFQ’s psychometric properties were evaluated through two studies. Participants for Study 1 were 643 pregnant people residing in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with a mean age of 29.0 (SD = 5.1) years, and 881 pregnant people residing in Canada, with a mean age of 32.9 (SD = 4.3) years for Study 2. In both studies, participants completed a set of questionnaires, including the CFQ, via an online survey. Exploratory factor analysis in Study 1 resulted in a 40-item, 9-factor scale, which was well supported in Study 2. Both studies provided evidence of high internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity. Study 1 also provided evidence that the CFQ detects group differences between pregnant people across mode of delivery preference and parity. Study 2 added to findings from Study 1 by providing evidence for the dimensional structure of the construct of fear of childbirth, and measurement invariance across parity groups (i.e., the measurement model of the CFQ was generalizable across parity groups). Estimates of the psychometric properties of the CFQ across the two studies provided evidence that the CFQ is psychometrically sound, and currently the most comprehensive measure of fear of childbirth available. The CFQ covers a broad range of domains of fear of childbirth and can serve to identify specific fear domains to be targeted in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Fairbrother
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
- Correspondence:
| | - Fanie Collardeau
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N9, Canada;
| | - Kathrin Stoll
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
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21
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Keane N, Farrell A, Hallahan B. Pregnancy-related claustrophobia. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e246568. [PMID: 35027381 PMCID: PMC8762120 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246568] [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] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A 35-year-old primigravida presented with significant anxiety symptoms at 26 weeks' gestation. Symptoms were preceded by a nightmare about her upcoming labour. She developed repetitive intrusive thoughts of being trapped emotionally and physically in her pregnancy. Her symptoms were suggestive of new-onset claustrophobia associated with pregnancy, which has not been previously reported on. Her symptoms ameliorated with a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy (sertraline and low dose quetiapine). The later stages of pregnancy were associated with minimal symptoms and the resolution of her subjective 'entrapment'. A subsequent pregnancy resulted in similar although less severe symptomatology. No postpartum anxiety symptoms were demonstrated on both occasions. Anxiety symptoms can adversely impact both the mother and fetus, and thus correct identification and management of pregnancy-related claustrophobia improved symptomatology and functioning and allowed for earlier detection and reduced symptomatology in a subsequent pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nessa Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Amy Farrell
- Department of Psychiatry, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Hallahan
- Department of Psychiatry, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
- Psychiatry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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22
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Ponting C, Urizar GG, Dunkel Schetter C. Psychological Interventions for Prenatal Anxiety in Latinas and Black Women: A Scoping Review and Recommendations. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:820343. [PMID: 35370831 PMCID: PMC8965279 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.820343] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety symptoms are common among pregnant women worldwide. In the United States, prenatal anxiety symptoms tend to be elevated among Black and Latin American women as compared to non-Latina White women. Despite the high prevalence of anxiety and associations with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes, interventions have not been developed or tailored sufficiently to Black women or Latinas who need efficacious treatment. This article provides a scoping review of articles published since 2017 that test the effects of randomized and non-randomized psychological interventions designed to reduce prenatal anxiety in samples comprised primarily of ethnic/racial minority women. We also review published protocols of planned psychological interventions to reduce prenatal anxiety in order to highlight novel approaches. In addition to summarizing intervention efficacy and participant acceptability, we highlight gaps in the literature which, if addressed, could improve perinatal mental health equity. Finally, we discuss future directions in prenatal anxiety intervention science beginning preconception including intervention design and prevention models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ponting
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Guido G Urizar
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
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IRMAK VURAL P, KÖRPE G. Postpartum Dönemdeki Kadınların Doğuma Yönelik Duyguları ve Baş Etme Biçimleri: Nitel Bir Çalışma. İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 2021. [DOI: 10.38079/igusabder.981956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Peripartale elterliche Angst und Depressivität zeigten Zusammenhänge mit kindlichen emotionalen und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten. Mögliche Erklärungsansätze umfassen pränatal prägende Einflüsse auf das Ungeborene sowie das postpartale Fortwirken psychischer Belastung auf die Eltern-Kind-Beziehung. Dabei kommt dem elterlichen Vertrauen in die eigenen Fähigkeiten eine mögliche protektive Rolle zu, das wiederum durch die eigene psychische Belastung und das kindliche Verhalten maßgeblich beeinträchtigt sein kann.
Fragestellung
Diese Studie untersucht, wie sich pränatale schwangerschaftsspezifische Ängste auf das Vertrauen in die eigenen Fähigkeiten als Mutter in der frühen Elternschaft auswirken und wodurch dieser Effekt vermittelt wird.
Material und Methoden
Als Teil einer prospektiven Längsschnittstudie beantworteten 116 Mütter im letzten Schwangerschaftsdrittel (T0) und der 3. Woche (T1) postpartal Fragebögen zu schwangerschaftsspezifischen Ängsten, mütterlichem Selbstvertrauen, postpartaler Depressivität und kindlicher Irritabilität.
Ergebnisse
Es zeigte sich, dass der Zusammenhang zwischen pränatalen Ängsten und mangelndem mütterlichen Selbstvertrauen nicht über das Erleben kindlicher Irritabilität, sondern entscheidend über das Erleben postpartaler Depressivität vermittelt wurde. Die mütterliche Parität spielte ebenfalls eine Rolle.
Schlussfolgerung
Pränatale schwangerschaftsspezifische Ängste können postpartaler Depressivität vorausgehen und so indirekt das mütterliche Vertrauen in die eigenen Fähigkeiten beeinträchtigen. Die Wachsamkeit für elterliche psychische Belastung und die Weiterentwicklung von Behandlungsansätzen mit Beginn in der Schwangerschaft sind notwendig und erfordern eine enge interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit zwischen eltern- und kindbezogenen Disziplinen.
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Tomazin KJDCG, Miot HA, Stoll K, Gonçalves IR, Spiri WC, Felipe TRL, Jamas MT. Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Childbirth Fear Prior to Pregnancy Scale in Brazil. Open Nurs J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874434602115010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
The fear of childbirth can range from apprehension to intense fear (tokophobia), with serious consequences for maternal health. Therefore, a standardized scale is needed to measure the fear of childbirth before pregnancy.
Objective:
This study aimed to adapt the Childbirth Fear Prior to Pregnancy (CFPP) scale to the Brazilian context and analyse its validity and reliability.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was completed by 146 nursing students at two Brazilian universities. A committee of experts evaluated the cross-cultural adaptation of the CFPP scale. Construct validity was verified using item-total correlations and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The validity of divergent concurrent criteria was evaluated by associating the score obtained using the Brazilian CFPP with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Reliability was analysed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest.
Results:
Correlation analysis revealed a predominance of moderate inter-item correlation and strong item-total correlation (>0.62). The EFA indicated that all items related to a single factor, with factor loadings and communalities >0.5. These results reinforced the one-dimensionality of the Brazilian CFPP. The validity of divergent concurrent criteria was confirmed via weak correlations with DASS-21 scores (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha (0.86) and the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.99) indicated reliability and strong temporal stability, respectively.
Conclusion:
The Brazilian version of the CFPP provides evidence of validity and reliability to measure fear of childbirth before pregnancy in young adults in Brazil.
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Souto SPAD, Prata AP, Albuquerque RSD, Almeida S. Psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire in pregnant women. Health Care Women Int 2021; 45:603-620. [PMID: 34283010 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1932892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The researchers' aim is to examine the psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version A (WDEQ-A). Data from 669 pregnant Portuguese women was collected between June and October of 2019. From the initial 33-item Portuguese version of the WDEQ-A, a 27-item instrument was developed. Five-factor solution explained 63.8% of the total variance. The factors defined by the researchers were: fear/lack of self-efficacy, loneliness, negative appraisal, lack of positive anticipation and concern for the child. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.934. The European Portuguese version of the WDEQ-A is a reliable and valid tool to measure fear of childbirth on both nulliparous and multiparous women and can be a useful tool for cross-cultural research. Moreover, researchers support the use of this tool in clinical practice to recognize and address fearful women during prenatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Patrícia Arantes do Souto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Prata
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Escola Sperior de Enfermagem do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Sofia Almeida
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health: Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Psortuguesa, Porto, Portugal
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Koyuncu SB, Bülbül M. The impact of yoga on fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy among third trimester pregnants. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021; 44:101438. [PMID: 34252859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101438] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to determine the effect of yoga practice on fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was performed in a quasi-experimental model with pretest and post-test control groups. The participants of the study were women who applied to a pregnancy education class at a hospital. Ninety women participated in the study. The data used in the study were collected using the Individual Information Form, the Wijma Delivery Expectation/Experience Scale (Version A), and the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS After participating in yoga practice, the pregnant women in the experimental group exhibited decreased fear of childbirth and increased childbirth self-efficacy (p < .05). On the other hand, the pregnant women in the control group displayed increased fear of childbirth and decreased childbirth self-efficacy (p < .05). CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, yoga practice reduces fear of childbirth and significantly increases childbirth self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadet Boybay Koyuncu
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Bülbül
- Adiyaman University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adiyaman, Turkey
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women experience fear of childbirth (FOC). While fears about childbirth may be normal during pregnancy, some women experience high to severe FOC. At the extreme end of the fear spectrum is tocophobia, which is considered a specific condition that may cause distress, affect well-being during pregnancy and impede the transition to parenthood. Various interventions have been trialled, which support women to reduce and manage high to severe FOC, including tocophobia. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for reducing fear of childbirth (FOC) compared with standard maternity care in pregnant women with high to severe FOC, including tocophobia. SEARCH METHODS In July 2020, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and reference lists of retrieved studies. We contacted researchers of trials which were registered and appeared to be ongoing. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials which recruited pregnant women with high or severe FOC (as defined by the individual trial), for treatment intended to reduce FOC. Two review authors independently screened and selected titles and abstracts for inclusion. We excluded quasi-randomised and cross-over trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological approaches as recommended by Cochrane. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the studies for risk of bias. A third review author checked the data analysis for accuracy. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. The primary outcome was a reduction in FOC. Secondary outcomes were caesarean section, depression, birth preference for caesarean section or spontaneous vaginal delivery, and epidural use. MAIN RESULTS We included seven trials with a total of 1357 participants. The interventions included psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy, group discussion, peer education and art therapy. We judged four studies as high or unclear risk of bias in terms of allocation concealment; we judged three studies as high risk in terms of incomplete outcome data; and in all studies, there was a high risk of bias due to lack of blinding. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence due to concerns about risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency. None of the studies reported data about women's anxiety. Participating in non-pharmacological interventions may reduce levels of fear of childbirth, as measured by the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ), but the reduction may not be clinically meaningful (mean difference (MD) -7.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) -12.19 to -1.97; 7 studies, 828 women; low-certainty evidence). The W-DEQ tool is scored from 0 to 165 (higher score = greater fear). Non-pharmacological interventions probably reduce the number of women having a caesarean section (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.89; 5 studies, 557 women; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference between non-pharmacological interventions and usual care in depression scores measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (MD 0.09, 95% CI -1.23 to 1.40; 2 studies, 399 women; low-certainty evidence). The EPDS tool is scored from 0 to 30 (higher score = greater depression). Non-pharmacological interventions probably lead to fewer women preferring a caesarean section (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.89; 3 studies, 276 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Non-pharmacological interventions may increase epidural use compared with usual care, but the 95% CI includes the possibility of a slight reduction in epidural use (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.48; 2 studies, 380 women; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effect of non-pharmacological interventions for women with high to severe fear of childbirth in terms of reducing fear is uncertain. Fear of childbirth, as measured by W-DEQ, may be reduced but it is not certain if this represents a meaningful clinical reduction of fear. There may be little or no difference in depression, but there may be a reduction in caesarean section delivery. Future trials should recruit adequate numbers of women and measure birth satisfaction and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve Anne O'Connell
- School of Healthcare Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ali S Khashan
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Fiona Stewart
- Cochrane Children and Families Network, c/o Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth, Department of Women's and Children's Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sinéad M O'Neill
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health Alumna, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract
Background Between 5% and 14% of women suffer from fear of childbirth (FOC) which is associated with difficulties during birth and in postnatal psychological adjustment. Therefore, effective interventions are needed to improve outcomes for women. A systematic review and meta-analysis was used to identify effective interventions for treating women with FOC. Methods Literature searches were undertaken on online databases. Hand searches of reference lists were also carried out. Studies were included in the review if they recruited women with FOC and aimed to reduce FOC and/or improve birth outcomes. Data were synthesised qualitatively and quantitatively using meta-analysis. The literature searches provided a total of 4474 citations. Results After removing duplicates and screening through abstracts, titles and full texts, 66 papers from 48 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Methodological quality was mixed with 30 out of 48 studies having a medium risk of bias. Interventions were categorised into six broad groups: cognitive behavioural therapy, other talking therapies, antenatal education, enhanced midwifery care, alternative interventions and interventions during labour. Results from the meta-analysis showed that most interventions reduced FOC, regardless of the approach (mean effect size = −1.27; z = −4.53, p < 0.0001) and that other talking therapies may reduce caesarean section rates (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.48–0.90). Conclusions Poor methodological quality of studies limits conclusions that can be drawn; however, evidence suggests that most interventions investigated reduce FOC. Future high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed so that clear conclusions can be made.
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Jain D, Jain AK, Metz GAS, Ballanyi N, Sood A, Linder R, Olson DM. A Strategic Program for Risk Assessment and Intervention to Mitigate Environmental Stressor-Related Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Indian Population. Front Reprod Health 2021; 3:673118. [PMID: 36304060 PMCID: PMC9580833 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.673118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Problem: Global environmental stressors of human health include, but are not limited to, conflict, migration, war, natural disasters, climate change, pollution, trauma, and pandemics. In combination with other factors, these stressors influence physical and mental as well as reproductive health. Maternal stress is a known factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB); however, environmental stressors are less well-understood in this context and the problem is relatively under-researched. According to the WHO, major Indian cities including New Delhi are among the world's 20 most polluted cities. It is known that maternal exposure to environmental pollution increases the risk of premature births and other adverse pregnancy outcomes which is evident in this population. Response to the Problem: Considering the seriousness of this problem, an international and interdisciplinary group of researchers, physicians, and organizations dedicated to the welfare of women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes launched an international program named Optimal Pregnancy Environment Risk Assessment (OPERA). The program aims to discover and disseminate inexpensive, accessible tools to diagnose women at risk for PTB and other adverse pregnancy outcomes due to risky environmental factors as early as possible and to promote effective interventions to mitigate these risks. OPERA has been supported by the Worldwide Universities Network, World Health Organization (WHO) and March of Dimes USA. Addressing the Problem: This review article addresses the influence of environmental stressors on maternal-fetal health focusing on India as a model population and describes the role of OPERA in helping local practitioners by sharing with them the latest risk prediction and mitigation tools. The consequences of these environmental stressors can be partially mitigated by experience-based interventions that build resilience and break the cycle of inter- and-transgenerational transmission. The shared knowledge and experience from this collaboration are intended to guide and facilitate efforts at the local level in India and other LMIC to develop strategies appropriate for the jurisdiction for improving pregnancy outcomes in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyanu Jain
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Divyanu Jain
| | - Ajay K. Jain
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and In-vitro Fertilization Center, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Delhi, India
- IVF Center, Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Muzaffarnagar, India
| | - Gerlinde A. S. Metz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Nina Ballanyi
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Abha Sood
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and In-vitro Fertilization Center, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Rupert Linder
- Specialist for Gynecology, Obstetrics, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Birkenfeld, Germany
| | - David M. Olson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Abstract
Fear surrounding childbirth requires a more in-depth understanding from
women’s perspectives, especially those who request a planned cesarean
due to that fear. Therefore, we explored primiparous and multiparous
women’s lived experiences of fear surrounding childbirth in relation
to their decision to request a planned cesarean birth. We used
Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method to interview 16 women from 4
provinces and to analyze the data. Women expressed numerous fears and
most experienced more than one fear. Most feared their baby/babies
being injured or dying during childbirth or developing complications
themselves. Others feared experiencing a traumatic birth. Women
described numerous emotional and physical manifestations of fear, and
all believed that a planned cesarean birth would provide more control
over the birth process. For some, the birth of their healthy
baby/babies began a healing process, whereas others noted that their
fear subsided or resolved upon confirmation that they would have a
planned cesarean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Bryanton
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Morrison
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
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Lebel C, MacKinnon A, Bagshawe M, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht G. Elevated depression and anxiety symptoms among pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2020; 277:5-13. [PMID: 32777604 PMCID: PMC7395614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 491] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnancy typically affect between 10 and 25% of pregnant individuals. Elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk of preterm birth, postpartum depression, and behavioural difficulties in children. The current COVID-19 pandemic is a unique stressor with potentially wide-ranging consequences for pregnancy and beyond. METHODS We assessed symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant individuals during the current COVID-19 pandemic and determined factors that were associated with psychological distress. 1987 pregnant participants in Canada were surveyed in April 2020. The assessment included questions about COVID-19-related stress and standardized measures of depression, anxiety, pregnancy-related anxiety, and social support. RESULTS We found substantially elevated anxiety and depression symptoms compared to similar pre-pandemic pregnancy cohorts, with 37% reporting clinically relevant symptoms of depression and 57% reporting clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety. Higher symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with more concern about threats of COVID-19 to the life of the mother and baby, as well as concerns about not getting the necessary prenatal care, relationship strain, and social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher levels of perceived social support and support effectiveness, as well as more physical activity, were associated with lower psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION This study shows concerningly elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, that may have long-term impacts on their children. Potential protective factors include increased social support and exercise, as these were associated with lower symptoms and thus may help mitigate long-term negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Anna MacKinnon
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Mercedes Bagshawe
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Gerald Giesbrecht
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Canada
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Jomeen J, Martin CR, Jones C, Marshall C, Ayers S, Burt K, Frodsham L, Horsch A, Midwinter D, O'Connell M, Shakespeare J, Sheen K, Thomson G. Tokophobia and fear of birth: a workshop consensus statement on current issues and recommendations for future research. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2020; 39:2-15. [PMID: 33206580 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2020.1843908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To discuss and develop a statement on the current state of the evidence and opinion in Fear of Childbirth (FoC) and Tokophobia (Tocophobia), and to provide recommendations. Background: A group met in 2019 to discuss the state of clinical and academic knowledge relating to FoC/Tokophobia. Five key areas were agreed as the focus of the meeting. Methods: 12 internationally acknowledged experts, in this or a closely related area (e.g. PTSD) met to discuss their understanding of the evidence for FoC/ Tokophobia and current practice. The consensus described in this paper constitutes the expression of the general opinion of the participants and does not necessarily imply unanimity. Keys points: Work focussed on tokophobia is recent and there remains a wide range of issues, which were addressed in the workshop including complexity in defining prevalence, a theoretical lack of understanding, which creates challenge for robust assessment and the identification of risk factors. An improved aetiological and developmental understanding of the tokophobia is required to underpin appropriate, effective and evidence-based interventions. Evaluation of pathways of care and relevant interventions, should be a focus of future research. Conclusion: Significant gaps remain within the FoC/tokophobia knowledge base. Further research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jomeen
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University , Bilinga, Australia.,Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research (ICAHR), University of Hull , Hull, UK
| | - C R Martin
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University , Bilinga, Australia.,Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research (ICAHR), University of Hull , Hull, UK.,School of Nursing and Allied Health, Buckinghamshire New University , High Wycombe, UK
| | - C Jones
- Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research (ICAHR), University of Hull , Hull, UK
| | - C Marshall
- Perinatal Mental Health Team, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust , Hull, UK
| | - S Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London , London, UK
| | - K Burt
- Expert by Experience , UK
| | - L Frodsham
- Obstetric Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust , London, UK
| | - A Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne , Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department Woman-Mother-Child, University Hospital , Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - D Midwinter
- Maternity and Midwifery Services, North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust , Scunthorpe, UK
| | - M O'Connell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland in Bahrain , Adliya, Bahrain
| | | | - K Sheen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool, UK
| | - G Thomson
- Maternal and Infant Nutrition & Nurture Unit, School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire , Lancashire, UK.,School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University , Falun, Sweden
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Samios C, Townsend M, Newton T. Self-compassion predicts less fear of childbirth in childless women: the mediating role of birth beliefs. Psychol Health 2020; 36:1336-1351. [PMID: 33185123 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1846737] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women can have fear of childbirth (FOC) in advance of their first pregnancy and such fear can have implications for reproductive and eventual childbirth choices. This study aims to further our understanding of the role of self-compassion in FOC in young childless women, including possible pathways through which self-compassion might relate to less FOC: through natural and medical birth beliefs. DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In this correlational study, 316 young childless Australian women completed measures of self-compassion, natural and medical birth beliefs, and FOC. RESULTS Self-compassion predicted less FOC, and although self-compassion as a total score did not relate to natural birth beliefs, it did relate to lower scores on medical birth beliefs. The indirect effect through medical birth beliefs was supported; greater self-compassion predicted lower scores on medical birth beliefs, which in turn predicted less FOC. CONCLUSIONS The findings, although cross-sectional, support the study of self-compassion in FOC, which is in part because self-compassion predicts less medical birth beliefs. With further research, self-compassion training might be incorporated into public health initiatives targeting FOC in young childless women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Samios
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Australia
| | | | - Tracy Newton
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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35
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Duman M, Durgun Ozan Y, Aksoy Derya Y, Timur Taşhan S. The effect of relaxation exercises training on pregnancy-related anxiety after perinatal loss: A pilot randomized control trial✰. Explore (NY) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Aguilera-Martín Á, Gálvez-Lara M, Blanco-Ruiz M, García-Torres F. Psychological, educational, and alternative interventions for reducing fear of childbirth in pregnant women: A systematic review. J Clin Psychol 2020; 77:525-555. [PMID: 33078851 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to identify non-medical interventions that may reduce the fear of childbirth, directly or indirectly (through its factors). METHODS This review followed the PRISMA guidance and a rigorous protocol that was registered in PROSPERO. Searches were done in ProQuest, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Google Scholar. All RCTs published in the last 5 years, in English or Spanish, regarding women with a low-risk pregnancy and without mental disorders were included. RESULTS From 5147 articles found, only 69 were full-text assessed. Finally, 18 studies were included suggesting that prenatal education, psychoeducation, and counseling might be effective, whereas cognitive-behavioral therapy and some alternative therapies require more research. The results of relaxation techniques were contradictory. Results also suggest that social support and exposure (through education) might have an important role in the efficacy of interventions. CONCLUSIONS More appropriately randomized and blinded trials are necessary that use a prespecified definition of fear of childbirth and comprehensive measurement tools specific for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Gálvez-Lara
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Francisco García-Torres
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
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37
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Persson A, Lindmark S, Petersson K, Gabriel E, Thorsell M, Lindström K, Göransson M, Cardell G, Magnusson Å. Potentially traumatic events, fear of childbirth and posttraumatic stress disorder during pregnancy in Stockholm, Sweden: A cross-sectional study. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare 2020; 25:100516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2020.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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38
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Wigert H, Nilsson C, Dencker A, Begley C, Jangsten E, Sparud-Lundin C, Mollberg M, Patel H. Women's experiences of fear of childbirth: a metasynthesis of qualitative studies. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2020; 15:1704484. [PMID: 31858891 PMCID: PMC6968519 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2019.1704484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Women’s experiences of pregnancy, labour and birth are for some pregnant women negative and they develop a fear of childbirth, which can have consequences for their wellbeing and health. The aim was to synthesize qualitative literature to deepen the understanding of women’s experiences of fear of childbirth. Methods: A systematic literature search and a meta-synthesis that included 14 qualitative papers. Results: The main results demonstrate a deepened understanding of women’s experiences of fear of childbirth interpreted through the metaphor “being at a point of no return”. Being at this point meant that the women thought there was no turning back from their situation, further described in the three themes: To suffer consequences from traumatic births, To lack warranty and understanding, and To face the fear. Conclusions: Women with fear of childbirth are need of support that can meet their existential issues about being at this point of no return, allowing them to express and integrate their feelings, experiences and expectations during pregnancy, childbirth and after birth. Women with fear after birth, i.e., after an earlier negative birth experience, need support that enables them to regain trust in maternity care professionals and their willingness to provide them with good care that offers the support that individual women require. Women pregnant for the first time require similar support to reassure them that other’s experiences will not happen to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wigert
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Neonatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Nilsson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Anna Dencker
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecily Begley
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Chair of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elisabeth Jangsten
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Sparud-Lundin
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margareta Mollberg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Harshida Patel
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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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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O'Connell MA, Khashan AS, Leahy-Warren P. Women's experiences of interventions for fear of childbirth in the perinatal period: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research evidence. Women Birth 2020; 34:e309-e321. [PMID: 32522443 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
ISSUE Fear of childbirth (FOC) can be debilitating, impacting women's lives in pregnancy, the puerperium and beyond. Research investigated various interventions for FOC in the perinatal period, but there been no synthesis of the experiences of women who engaged with these interventions, which would inform clinical practice guidance and the development of future interventions. AIM To conduct a review and synthesis of qualitative studies of interventions for fear of childbirth in the perinatal period and women's experiences of them. METHODS A meta-synthesis was performed to examine all relevant qualitative studies describing women's experiences of interventions for FOC, in all languages. A comprehensive search of relevant databases from 1978 to 2019 was conducted. In total, following appraisal, seven qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion. The findings were integrated using thematic synthesis for the final stages in the thematic analysis. FINDINGS One overarching theme "Ownership of Childbirth" and three analytical themes "Facing the fear", "Feeling empowered", "Managing the fear with a sense of security" were generated through the synthesis. There were no studies outside of Scandinavia located. DISCUSSION This meta-synthesis provides a new way to describe the process of moving from fear to "Ownership of childbirth". The first step in the process appears to be acknowledging and identifying the individual's fears. Women can be empowered to self-manage FOC but may be influenced by external factors such as the support of partners and staff. CONCLUSION These findings provide evidence to inform the development of future interventions for FOC and highlight the need for further qualitative research globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve A O'Connell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland in Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain; Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine & Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Ali S Khashan
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Western Rd., Cork, Ireland; Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patricia Leahy-Warren
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, College Rd., Cork, Ireland
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Matvienko-Sikar K, Flannery C, Redsell S, Hayes C, Kearney PM, Huizink A. Effects of interventions for women and their partners to reduce or prevent stress and anxiety: A systematic review. Women Birth 2020; 34:e97-e117. [PMID: 32107141 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The period from conception to two years postpartum (the first 1000 days) represents a normative transitional period, which can be potentially stressful for some parents. Parental stress and anxiety adversely impacts psychological and physical health for parents and children. AIM The aim of this review is to systematically examine effects of interventions for women and their partners to reduce or prevent stress and/or anxiety during the first 1000 days. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Maternity and Infant Care were searched from inception to March 2019. Randomised controlled trials examining intervention effects on parental stress and/or anxiety during first 1000 days were eligible for inclusion. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and narratively synthesised. FINDINGS Fifteen interventions, reported in 16 studies, met inclusion criteria (n=1911 participants). Overall, findings were inconsistent and the majority of trials demonstrated high risk of bias. Interventions were predominantly delivered to women during pregnancy and only two studies included fathers. There was some evidence that adapting interventions to the pre and postnatal periods provided benefits for stress and anxiety reduction, however there was limited evidence for individual intervention types or approaches. CONCLUSIONS There is currently inconsistent evidence of what interventions are most effective for women during the first 1000 days and there is insufficient evidence for any interventions for male partners during this period. There is a clear need for rigorous development and examination of interventions developed specifically to reduce or prevent stress and/or anxiety across the first 1000 days.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Redsell
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anja Huizink
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Atif N, Nazir H, Zafar S, Chaudhri R, Atiq M, Mullany LC, Rowther AA, Malik A, Surkan PJ, Rahman A. Development of a Psychological Intervention to Address Anxiety During Pregnancy in a Low-Income Country. Front Psychiatry 2020; 10:927. [PMID: 31998151 PMCID: PMC6967413 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: One in five women suffer from anxiety during pregnancy. Untreated anxiety is a risk factor for postnatal depression and is associated with adverse birth outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of prenatal anxiety in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), efforts to develop and evaluate context-specific interventions in these settings are lacking. We aimed to develop a culturally appropriate, feasible, and acceptable psychological intervention for perinatal anxiety in the context of a low-income population in Pakistan. Methods: We conducted this research in Rawalpindi District at the Obstetrics Department of the Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University a government facility catering to a mixture of low-income urban, peri-urban, and rural populations. We used a mixture of research methods to: a) investigate the clinical, cultural, and health-service delivery context of perinatal anxiety; b) select an evidence-based approach that suited the population and health-delivery system; c) develop an intervention with extensive reference documentation/manuals; and d) examine issues involved in its implementation. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Informed by the qualitative findings and review of existing evidence-based practices, we developed the "Happy Mother, Healthy Baby" intervention, which was based on principles of cognitive behavior therapy. Its evidence-based elements included: developing an empathetic relationship, challenging thoughts, behavior activation, problem solving, and involving family. These elements were applied using a three-step approach: 1) learning to identify unhealthy or unhelpful thinking and behavior; 2) learning to replace unhealthy or unhelpful thinking and behavior with helpful thinking and behavior; and 3) practicing thinking and acting healthy. Delivered by non-specialist providers, the intervention used culturally appropriate illustrations and examples of healthy activities to set tasks in collaboration with the women to encourage engagement in helpful behaviors. Feedback from the non-specialist providers indicated that the intervention was acceptable, feasible, and perceived to be helpful by the women receiving it. Conclusion: This new psychosocial intervention for perinatal anxiety, based on principles of cognitive behavior therapy and delivered by non-specialists, has the potential to address this important but neglected condition in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najia Atif
- Human Development Research Foundation, Gujar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Huma Nazir
- Human Development Research Foundation, Gujar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Shamsa Zafar
- Human Development Research Foundation, Gujar Khan, Pakistan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rizwana Chaudhri
- Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Maria Atiq
- Human Development Research Foundation, Gujar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Luke C. Mullany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Armaan A. Rowther
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Abid Malik
- Human Development Research Foundation, Gujar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Pamela J. Surkan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Malmquist A, Jonsson L, Wikström J, Nieminen K. Minority stress adds an additional layer to fear of childbirth in lesbian and bisexual women, and transgender people. Midwifery 2019; 79:102551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Nath S, Busuulwa P, Ryan EG, Challacombe FL, Howard LM. The characteristics and prevalence of phobias in pregnancy. Midwifery 2020; 82:102590. [PMID: 31864080 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to estimate the population prevalence of specific phobias (including pregnancy related specific phobias) and associated mental disorders. The secondary objective was to investigate the effectiveness of routinely collected screening tools (depression and anxiety screens, Whooley and GAD-2 respectively) in identifying specific phobias. Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorder to occur during pregnancy, but studies on prevalence and clinical correlates of specific phobias, including pregnancy related specific phobias are lacking. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey using a two-phase sampling design stratified according to being positive or negative on the Whooley questions routinely asked by midwives. Approaching all whooley positive women and drawing a random sample of Whooley negative women. Sampling weights were used to account for the bias induced by the stratified sampling. PARTICIPANTS 545 pregnant women attending their first antenatal appointment. Language interpreters were used where required. SETTING Inner-city maternity service, London, UK. MEASUREMENTS The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Mental Disorders were administered to assess mental disorders and 544 women responded to the anxiety module on specific phobias. RESULTS The maternity population prevalence estimate for specific phobias was 8.4% (95%CI: 5.8-12.1%) and for pregnancy related phobias was 1.5% (95%CI: 0.6-3.7%), most of which were needle phobias. The prevalence estimate of tokophobia was 0.032% (95%CI: 0.0044-0.23%). Over half (52.4%) the women with specific phobias had comorbid mental disorders. Routinely administered screening tools (Whooley and GAD-2) were not helpful in identifying phobias. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Phobias in pregnancy are common but pregnancy related phobias are rare, particularly tokophobia. As routinely administered screening tools were not helpful in identifying phobias, other indicators could be considered, such as avoidance of blood tests and requests for caesarean sections.
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Fobelets M, Beeckman K, Buyl R, Healy P, Grylka-Baeschlin S, Nicoletti J, Canepa M, Devane D, Gross MM, Morano S, Daly D, Begley C, Putman K. Preference of birth mode and postnatal health related quality of life after one previous caesarean section in three European countries. Midwifery 2019; 79:102536. [PMID: 31561129 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women who have had a caesarean section may have a preference for birth mode during their subsequent pregnancy, either 'vaginal birth after caesarean' (VBAC) or 'elective repeat caesarean section' (ERCS). A mismatch between the preferred and actual birth mode may result in an impaired postnatal Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study examined the associations between antenatal birth mode preferences, the actual birth mode and postnatal HRQoL in women with one previous caesarean section in three European countries. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal survey, as a part of a cluster randomised trial (OptiBIRTH) SETTING: Fifteen maternity units in three European countries: Germany (5), Ireland (5) and Italy (5). PARTICIPANTS Women (≥ aged 18 years) living in Germany, Ireland and Italy with one previous caesarean section. The sample consisted of 862 women with complete antenatal and postpartum data. MEASUREMENTS Women's preference for birth mode after one previous caesarean section was assessed at inclusion to the trial, and HRQoL was assessed antenatally and at three months postpartum using the Short-Form Six-Dimension health survey. Based on women's preferences and actual birth mode six groups were determined: "match VBAC-VBAC" (preference for vaginal birth, actual mode of birth vaginal birth), "match ERCS-ERCS" (preference for caesarean section, actual mode of birth elective repeat caesarean section), "match ERCS-EMCS" (preference for caesarean section, actual mode of birth emergency repeat caesarean section), "mismatch VBAC-ERCS" (preference for vaginal birth, actual mode of birth elective repeat caesarean section), "mismatch VBAC-EMCS" (preference for vaginal birth, actual mode of birth emergency repeat caesarean section) and "no preference". Associations between the preferred and actual birth mode were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. FINDINGS Women with preference for vaginal birth but who gave birth by elective repeat caesarean section (mismatch VBAC-ERCS) had a lower postnatal HRQoL compared to women with a preference for vaginal birth who actually had a birth vaginally (match VBAC-VBAC, p = 0.02). Poor antenatal HRQoL scores (p < 0.01) and maternal readmission postpartum (p = 0.03) are cofounding factors for poorer postnatal HRQoL scores. KEY CONCLUSIONS The results show that women with a preference for a vaginal birth who gave birth by an elective repeat caesarean section had a significantly lower HRQoL at three months postnatal. The long-term consequences and psychological health of women who do not achieve a vaginal birth after caesarean require further consideration and research. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Attention should be given to the long-term impact of a mismatch in preferred and actual mode on the psychological health of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Fobelets
- Department of Public Health, I-CHER (Interuniversity Centre for Health Economics Research), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Department Health Care, Knowledge Centre Brussels Integrated Care, Erasmus University College Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 121, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Beeckman
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery research group, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ronald Buyl
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Patricia Healy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jane Nicoletti
- School of Medicine and Midwifery, Department of Neurology, Ophthalmology, Maternal and Childhood Sciences, Genoa University, Largo R. Benzi, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matilde Canepa
- School of Medicine and Midwifery, Department of Neurology, Ophthalmology, Maternal and Childhood Sciences, Genoa University, Largo R. Benzi, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sandra Morano
- School of Medicine and Midwifery, Department of Neurology, Ophthalmology, Maternal and Childhood Sciences, Genoa University, Largo R. Benzi, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin D02 T283, Ireland
| | - Cecily Begley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin D02 T283, Ireland; Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Koen Putman
- Department of Public Health, I-CHER (Interuniversity Centre for Health Economics Research), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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O'Connell MA, O'Neill SM, Dempsey E, Khashan AS, Leahy-Warren P, Smyth RMD, Kenny LC. Interventions for fear of childbirth (tocophobia). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maeve Anne O'Connell
- P.O. Box 15503; RCSI Bahrain; Adliya Bahrain
- University College Cork; Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research; Cork Ireland
| | - Sinéad M O'Neill
- Health Information and Quality Authority; Health Technology Assessment Directorate; Unit 1301, City Gate Mahon Cork Munster Ireland T12 Y2XT
| | - Eugene Dempsey
- Cork University Maternity Hospital; Neonatology; Wilton Cork Ireland
| | - Ali S Khashan
- University College Cork; School of Public Health; Cork Ireland
| | - Patricia Leahy-Warren
- University College Cork; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Brookfield Health Sciences Complex Cork Ireland
| | - Rebecca MD Smyth
- The University of Manchester; Division of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work; Jean McFarlane Building Oxford Road Manchester UK M13 9PL
| | - Louise C Kenny
- University of Liverpool; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; Foundation Building, 765 Brownlow Hill Liverpool Merseyside UK
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Dencker A, Nilsson C, Begley C, Jangsten E, Mollberg M, Patel H, Wigert H, Hessman E, Sjöblom H, Sparud-Lundin C. Causes and outcomes in studies of fear of childbirth: A systematic review. Women Birth 2019; 32:99-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper seeks to identify the risk factors of fear of childbirth (FOC) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to birth and reviews the efficacy of their respective screening tools and therapeutic interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Biofeedback, hypnosis, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and antenatal education are promising treatments for FOC. Training midwives to address traumatic birth experiences could help in preventing PTSD. A shorter more pragmatic screening tool for FOC than the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ) is needed. Women with PTSD attributed a mismatch between the expected mode of delivery (MOD) and the actual MOD as the cause of their trauma. A history of mental health disorders, lack of social support, previous negative birth experiences, and MOD are correlated to FOC and postpartum PTSD. Psycho-education and CBT-based treatments have been found to reduce levels of FOC and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Badaoui
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Sandra Abou Kassm
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wadih Naja
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Wulcan A, Nilsson C. Midwives’ counselling of women at specialised fear of childbirth clinics: A qualitative study. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare 2019; 19:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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