effect of maternal relaxation training on reactivity of non-stress test, basal fetal heart rate, and number of fetal heart accelerations: a randomized controlled trial

Relaxation-training, as an anxiety-reducer intervention, plays an important role in fetal health. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of maternal relaxation on stress test [NST], basal fetal heart rate, and number of fetal heart accelerations. In this randomized controlled trial, 84 pregnant women were randomly divided into two groups of teaching relaxation and control groups in 2012. In the intervention group, 60-90 minute classes were held every week lasting for 4 weeks. Besides, home practice charts were given to the mothers and researchers controlled the home practices by phone calls every week. The control group received routine prenatal care. In the 4[th] week, NST was performed in the intervention group 30 minutes before and after the 4[th] session. In the control group, NST was done in the 4[th] week. The quantitative variables in the two groups were compared through ANOVA and Chi-square test. The results of paired t-test showed that relaxation could improve the NST results [P=0.01]. Mean and standard deviation of basal fetal heart rate was 138.95 +/- 8.18 before the intervention and 133.07 +/- 6.9 after the intervention. Paired t-test also showed that relaxation reduced the basal fetal heart rate [P=0.001]. Mean and standard deviation of the number of fetal heart accelerations was 1.5 +/- 0.8 before the intervention and 2.2 +/- 0.9 after it. The results of paired t-test also showed that relaxation increased the number of fetal heart accelerations [P=0.001]. Relaxation could improve the NST results, reduce the basal fetal heart rate, and increase the number of fetal heart accelerations. Therefore, relaxation is recommended during pregnancy

Comparison of attachment and relaxation training effects on anxiety in third trimester and postpartum depression among primipara women

Reducing maternal anxiety has a critical role in maternal and fetal mental and physical health. This study aimed to assess the effect of two anxiety reducing techniques including relaxation and maternal-fetal attachment training on anxiety in third trimester and postpartum depression among primipara women. In this clinical trial, 126 pregnant women were randomly selected and divided into three groups including relaxation training, maternal-fetal attachment skills training, and control group. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Spillberger and Beck questionnaires and written consents at baseline. The participants completed the questionnaires after the intervention too. The one way ANOVA and paired /-test were used to analyze the data. At baseline, the mean total anxiety, state and trait anxiety and depression scores were not significantly different between the groups. The ANOVA showed differences in the mean score of anxiety after the intervention [P=0.03] in the intervention groups. There were statistically significant differences between the attachment and control groups [P=0.001]; and the relaxation and control groups [P<001] in terms of the mean score of state anxiety. The ANOVA showed a reduction in the mean score of state anxiety after intervention in the attachment [P=0.02] and relaxation groups [P=0.01]. There was significant difference after the intervention in the mean score of maternal depression [P=0.002] between the attachment and relaxation groups with the control group [P=0.01, P=0.01; respectively]. Attachment and relaxation trainings can reduce maternal anxiety and post-partum depression. Pregnancy visit is an important opportunity to screen maternal anxiety and prevent post-partum depression using simple and non-expensive training programs