A1 Journal article (refereed)
Synnytyspelon hoito terapeuttisen ryhmän ja rentoutumisharjoituksen avulla (2002)
Psychotherapeutic group and relaxation exercises to alleviate fear of childbirth

Salmela-Aro, K., Toivanen, R., Saisto, T., & Halmesmäki, E. (2002). Synnytyspelon hoito terapeuttisen ryhmän ja rentoutumisharjoituksen avulla. Suomen Lääkärilehti, 45(10), 4567-4572. https://www.laakarilehti.fi/tieteessa/alkuperaistutkimukset/synnytyspelon-hoito-terapeuttisen-ryhman-ja-rentoutumisharjoituksen-avulla/

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Salmela-Aro, Katariina; Toivanen, Riikka; Saisto, Terhi; Halmesmäki, Erja

Journal or series: Suomen Lääkärilehti

ISSN: 0039-5560

eISSN: 2489-7434

Publication year: 2002

Volume: 45

Issue number: 10

Pages range: 4567-4572

Publisher: Suomen lääkäriliitto

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

Persistent website address: https://www.laakarilehti.fi/tieteessa/alkuperaistutkimukset/synnytyspelon-hoito-terapeuttisen-ryhman-ja-rentoutumisharjoituksen-avulla/

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Delayed open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93181

Abstract

This study examined nulliparous women in their thirty-first gestational week and experiencing severe fear of childbirth (n = 76). The subjects attended five group therapy sessions with a psychologist and one therapy session with a midwife during pregnancy and one therapy session three months postpartum. Psychotherapeutic group sessions and psychoeducation were incorporated with relaxation and imaginary childbirth exercises. At the start of therapy, on a scale of 1-10, fear of childbirth interfered with the women's lives at a mean score of 7,3 +- 2,0 (SD). Most of the women considered requesting a CS because of their fear. After the sessions, only ten individuals (13,1 %) requested a CS when asked to estimate the helpfulness of the sessions on a scale of 1-10 (10 as maximal help, 1 as no help at all), the subjects judged the sessions at 8,5 +- 1,6 (mean +- SD). The most beneficial factor for relieving fear of childbirth was sharing feelings mentioned thrice as often as receiving information. The group therapy was well accepted and estimated highly helpful. The withdrawal rate for CSs was higher than in previous studies. The strength of this therapy lies in a small intense group of people with a limited problem.

Keywords: primigravida; pregnancy; maternity; fear of childbirth; treatment methods; group work; relaxation; imagery training; experiences (knowledge); prenatal classes

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: Not rated