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Effectiveness of a Breathing and Relaxation Technique in Antenatal Education

Effectiveness of a Breathing and Relaxation Technique in Antenatal Education (BreLax Study): a Randomised Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06003946
Acronym
BreLax
Enrollment
68
Registered
2023-08-22
Start date
2023-11-01
Completion date
2025-03-25
Last updated
2025-04-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Pregnancy

Keywords

breathing technique, birth preparation, prenatal education

Brief summary

The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to compare the effects of an antenatal education class including a breathing and relaxation technique on self-efficacy compared to a standard antenatal education class without a focus on breathing and relaxation techniques.

Detailed description

Antenatal education classes were developed to inform expectant mothers about pregnancy, labour and birth and the postpartum period with the aim of improving pregnancy and childbirth experience. They were based, for example, on concepts of Lamaze and Grantly Dick-Read. Studies indicate positive emotional effects on labour and birth outcomes in women who attended antenatal education classes. This includes lower levels of fear of childbirth, lower rates of caesarean birth at the women's request, a higher rate of spontaneous births, and a stronger involvement of the partner, better chances of initiating breastfeeding, a lower likelihood of developing depression symptoms during the postpartum period. There is limited evidence on the link between birth preparation and neonatal outcomes. Considering recent evidence suggesting that antenatal education classes may positively influence maternal and neonatal birth outcomes, we intend to analyse an antenatal education class focusing on a breathing and relaxation technique and assess the impact of such a class on self-efficacy, as well as other maternal and neonatal birth outcomes.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALBreLax: Antenatal education class

An antenatal education class over 9 hours with information regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, pain management as well as the postpartum period with an integrated breathing and relaxation technique (prolonged exhalation in the individual rhythm) and 4 accompanying positions (standing upright, sitting supported, four-footed, supported lying on the side). In addition, participants receive a manual for independent practice at home.

An antenatal education class over 9 hours, with information regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, pain management and the postpartum period as well as some relaxation exercises.

Sponsors

University of Zurich
CollaboratorOTHER
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* pregnant women with a singleton low-risk pregnancy * receiving antenatal care * being willing to attend an antenatal education class * planning a vaginal birth * sufficient oral and written German language knowledge

Exclusion criteria

* women, who plan an elective caesarean section * pregnant with multiples * do not have sufficient oral and written German language knowledge

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Self-efficacy13 weeks till 37 weeks of pregnancyChanges from baseline to after the antenatal education class measured with the german version of the childbirth self-efficacy inventory (CBSEI). The CBSEI is a 32-item scale that measures women's perceived self-efficacy towards labour. Items are scored on a scale of 1 to 10. A higher score indicates that participants are better able to cope with difficult tasks.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
pain managementwithin 4 weeks after birthepidural anesthesia (PDA) yes/no, nitrous oxide yes/no, Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) yes/no, other pain medication yes/no (medical birth record)
birthing positionwithin 4 weeks after birthDocumented during labour and birth (medical birth record). elevated supine yes/no, lateral position yes/no, standing yes/no, 4-foot position yes/no, bathtub yes/no, sitting (stool) yes/no
Duration of labourwithin 4 weeks after birthDocumented during labour and birth (medical birth record)
Childbirth experiencewithin 4 weeks after birthBirth experience is assessed after birth using the german version of the childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ 2.0) The CEQ 2.0 is a 25-item scale with four dimensions (own capacity, perceived safety, professional support and participation). Items are scored on a scale of 1 (disagree at all) to 4 (agree completely). A higher value indicates a more positive assessment of the birth experience.
5-minute Apgar-Scorewithin 4 weeks after birthDocumented during labour and birth (medical birth record). Appearance 0 to 2 (pale/ trunk rosy, extremities pale/ rosy), Pulse 0 to 2 (no Puls/ \<100/min/ \>100/min), Grimace 0 to 2 (No/ Grimacing/ Screaming), Activity 0 to 2 (Flaccid/ Sluggish flexion movements/ Spontaneous good self-movement), Respiration 0 to 2 (None/ Slow, irregular breathing or gasping/ Regular (40/min)). Interpretation: normal: 9-10 points; marginal: 5-8 points; critical for the newborn: \<5 points.
arterial umbilical cord pHwithin 4 weeks after birthDocumented after labour and birth (medical birth record). Normal values in the umbilical artery blood are values of 7.20 - 7.38. At pH below 7.2 there is mild acidosis, below 7.1 moderate acidosis and below 7.0 severe acidosis.
Feasibility and effectiveness BreLax13 weeks of pregnancy till 4 weeks after birthSelf-reported by participants (digital diary and questionnaire). How often practiced before birth (text), how long practiced each time (Text) , where practiced (Text) , when used during birth (contractions irregular yes/no, contractions regular yes/no, at end of birth (pushing phase) yes/no, whole birth) yes/no.
Bondingwithin 4 weeks after birthDocumented during labour and birth (medical birth record). Direct skin contact after birth (Bonding) yes/no

Countries

Switzerland

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 5, 2026