Effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on fetal health anxiety and coping with prenatal stress

Authors : Esra Sabancı Baransel, Sümeyye Barut

Pages : 81-89

Doi:10.15437/jetr.1383622

View : 69 | Download : 63

Publication Date : 2024-08-09

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :urpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on coping with fetal health anxiety and prenatal stress during pregnancy. Methods: This randomized controlled study was carried out at a family health center in eastern Turkey. The study sample consisted of 108 pregnant women (experimental group, 54; control group, 54). Diaphragmatic breathing exercises were applied to the experimental group, once face to face and 5 times in total, via video phone call 2 days a week for the following two weeks. Those in the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Revised-Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) and the Fetal Health Anxiety Inventory (FHAI). Results: The mean scores on planning-preparation (2.16 vs 2.17; p<.05) and spiritual-positive (2.55 vs 2.59; p<.05) subscales of NuPCI significantly increased and the mean score of avoidance (2.61 vs 2.68; p<.05) significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. Similarly, the mean scores of fetal health anxiety significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group (10.35 vs 13.57; p<.05). Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises were found to be effective in improving effective coping styles for stress and reducing fetal health anxiety during pregnancy. Health professionals can use diaphragmatic breathing exercise to reduce pregnant women\'s fetal health anxiety and support pregnant women in their functional coping styles.
Keywords : Gebelik, Solunum egzersizi, Fetal sağlık kaygısı, Stres, Başa çıkma, Ebelik bakımı