The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on the Fears Related to Pregnancy and Childbirth in Primigravida Mothers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Fear related to pregnancy and childbirth in mothers who experience the first pregnancy and the physical and hormonal changes can cause disturbances in their emotional, mental, and physical state and quality of life. As a complementary method, progressive muscle relaxation helps reduce this type of fear in mothers. Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation techniques on the fears related to pregnancy and childbirth in primigravida mothers. Method: This randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 60 primigravida women referred to the selected health centers in Hamadan, Iran. The eligible mothers were randomly divided into control and intervention groups by the permuted block randomization method. The control group received routine pregnancy care. The intervention group received progressive muscle relaxation techniques during 30-minute sessions twice a week for four weeks in addition to routine care. Data collection tool was the Fears Related to Pregnancy and Childbirth scale before and after the intervention. Results: The mean fear score before the intervention in the intervention and control groups was 114.27±8.71 and 109.66±12.36, respectively (p=0.101). After the intervention implementation, the mean score in the intervention and control groups was 70.33±7.12 and 108.93±13.53, respectively (p=0.000). Implications for Practice: The progressive muscle relaxation technique can be used to reduce the fear related to pregnancy and childbirth in primigravida mothers.