The aim of this study is to examine the effects of prenatal yoga practices on labor pain, comfort level during labor, and overall birth satisfaction in primiparous pregnant women in Turkey. This study, which will be conducted using a randomized controlled trial design, aims to measure both the physical contribution of prenatal yoga practice to the birthing process and its effects on psychological well-being and satisfaction, thereby providing evidence-based recommendations to improve the quality of childbirth services.
Childbirth is a significant turning point in a woman's life cycle, both physiologically and psychologically. For primiparous women, especially first-time mothers, this process can be filled with intense pain, uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. Research shows that 60% to 80% of women worldwide experience anxiety and fear during childbirth (Bharati, Pokhrel \& Bhandari, 2024). A study conducted in Turkey found that 66.3% of pregnant women experienced high levels of fear related to labor pains. Fear of childbirth is not only a psychological experience but can also negatively impact the physiological functioning of the birthing process. Intense fear of childbirth can lead to prolonged labor, an increase in the preference for cesarean sections, and the development of problems such as postpartum depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, the negative impact of fear of childbirth on birth self-efficacy makes the birthing experience more challenging for primiparous women. Key causes of fear of childbirth include intolerance to pain, concern about harming the mother or baby, fear of losing control during labor, and distrust of healthcare personnel. These fears are experienced more intensely, especially in women who have never given birth before; comparative studies have found that primiparous women have significantly higher levels of fear compared to multiparous women. Negative emotions experienced during childbirth directly affect a mother's comfort during labor, her satisfaction with the birth, and her postpartum well-being. Although pain is a natural part of childbirth, how this process is managed, the mother's overall perception of childbirth, and its duration play a decisive role. According to the World Health Organization, the global cesarean section rate is 21%, while in Türkiye this rate has reached 58% (Turkish Statistical Institute, 2023). This situation once again emphasizes the importance of managing the fear of childbirth and pain. In conclusion, it appears that yoga practices help reduce fear of childbirth, contribute to women developing a positive perception of childbirth, and increase satisfaction with birth.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
74
Primiparous pregnant women with cervical dilation between 0-5 cm, who were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, will be administered a Personal Information Form, the Numerical Rating Scale (MRS), the Verbal Category Scale (VCS), and the Birth Comfort Scale (BCS). Following this, only the pregnant women in the experimental group will perform 8 different yoga poses, each pose lasting 5 minutes, as determined by the researchers. Routine care will be provided to the control group. After the yoga session, a vaginal examination will be performed by the same midwife, and all pregnant women will be re-administered the MRS, VCS, and BCS. After labor, both the experimental and control groups will be administered the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Short Form (BSS-S).
Mus Alparslan University Campus, Diyarbakir Road 7th km, 49250 Mus Center/Mus,
Muş, Mus Center, Turkey (Türkiye)
Yoga practices aim to reduce fear of childbirth, help women develop a positive perception of childbirth, and increase satisfaction with birth.
The DMÖ-K is a 10-item scale using a five-point Likert type. The scale is scored as follows: "Strongly agree" (4 points), "Agree" (3 points), "Undecided" (2 points), "Disagree" (1 point), "Strongly disagree" (0 points). Items 2, 4, 7, and 8 are reverse-calculated. The lowest possible score is "0", and the highest is "40"; higher scores indicate higher satisfaction levels.
Time frame: From the 0-5 cm cervical dilation range to the early postpartum period (4-24 hours)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.