Positive Health Online
Your Country
![[Image: http://www.balens.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2148.50367fa908013fae0a7f1a171543ef92.jpg "http://www.balens.co.uk")
![[Image: http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2836.df7d2315253110ff5b3a566f94871f99.jpg "http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk")
![[Image: https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/4046.12831f50177f8848ee87b8e94411d6b3.jpg "https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/")
![[Image: http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/1859.1296090fd8385e7ceff51c8011559097.jpg "http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer")
Research: MEHL-MADRONA,
Listed in Issue 108
Abstract
MEHL-MADRONA, Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1249 N. Mountain St., Tucson, AZ 85719, USA, madrona@email.arizona.edu, has studied hypnosis to facilitate uncomplicated birth.
Background
The aim of the study was to determine if prenatal hypnosis could facilitate uncomplicated birth.
Methodology
520 pregnant women in their first or second trimester of pregnancy were randomized to receiving prenatal hypnosis or attention only. Hypnosis was provided with the goal to reduce fear of birth and parenthood; to reduce anxiety; to reduce stress; to identify specific fears that might complicate the labour process (addressing them whenever possible); and to prepare women for the experience of labour. The attention-only group was matched to a no-contact comparison group.
Results
Women receiving prenatal hypnosis had significantly better outcomes than women who did not. Further assessment suggested that hypnosis worked by preventing negative emotional factors from leading to complications. Attention only was associated with minimal differences in outcome over the no-contact group.
Conclusion
The routine prenatal use of hypnosis could improve obstetric outcome.
References
Mehl-Madrona LE. Hypnosis to facilitate uncomplicated birth. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 46(4): 299-312, Apr 2004.
Comment
Interested readers could refer to the Diary of Frederique David' labour, published in Issue 107 in the book review section. Frederique had used hypnotherapy CD especially prepared for preparing for labour, birth and post-natal periods.
