NCT06003946

Effectiveness of a Breathing and Relaxation Technique in Antenatal Education

Effectiveness of a Breathing and Relaxation Technique in Antenatal Education (BreLax Study): a Randomised Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 68 (actual)
• Sponsor: Zurich University of Applied Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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

Detailed description

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

Conditions

• Pregnancy

Interventions

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

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-11-01
• Primary completion: 2025-03-25
• Completion: 2025-03-25
• First posted: 2023-08-22
• Last updated: 2025-04-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Switzerland