15 The Influence of a Single Antenatal Relaxation Class on Maternal Psychological Wellbeing and Childbirth Experiences, An Observational Study

Speaker:- Mo Tabib

Facilitator:- Adetoro Adeyemi Adegoke

Abstract:- Introduction: There is growing qualitative evidence that antenatal education on relaxation practices can enable women to deliberately induce a deep state of emotional calmness. Learning to shift focus from distressing emotions such as anxiety and fear to an altered state of calmness may significantly enhance women's confidence, thereby protecting maternal psychological wellbeing and leading to more positive childbirth experiences. However, the generalisability of these findings remains uncertain.

 Aim: This study aimed to bridge this gap by employing quantitative methods to validate and extend the qualitative evidence.

 Methods: Through an observational study with a prospective longitudinal cohort design, ninety-one women attending an antenatal relaxation class at a Scottish NHS maternity service completed online surveys pre-class, post-class and post-birth to examine changes in self-reported measures of psychological wellbeing. Full ethical approval was granted by the National Research Ethics Service (REC reference number: 17/LO/0666).

Results: Attending the class was associated with significant improvements in childbirth self-efficacy expectancy, mental wellbeing, fear of childbirth, and both trait and state anxiety. These improvements remained stable until post-birth. Women widely reported using relaxation practices, with the majority perceiving a positive influence on their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. 

Conclusion: Maternity services should consider reforming current antenatal education to align with these findings. This study makes a unique contribution to existing knowledge by adopting a salutogenetic orientation and emphasising positive psychological concepts such as self-efficacy and mental wellbeing.

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