Relaxation therapy for preventing and treating preterm labour.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Health
• Maternal Mental Health

Background:

• Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity.
• Maternal psychological stress is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor (PTL).
• Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and massage, are mind-body therapies with potential benefits during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of relaxation therapies in preventing or treating PTL.
• To assess the impact of relaxation therapies on preventing PTB.

Main Methods:

• Searched major databases including Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, and CINAHL.
• Included randomized controlled trials, cluster-randomized, and quasi-randomized trials comparing relaxation techniques with usual care.
• Two independent reviewers assessed studies, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer.

Main Results:

• Eleven trials with 833 women were included; however, results are based on single studies with small participant numbers and limited quality.
• Relaxation therapy, combined with standard treatment, showed benefits in reducing maternal stress and anxiety, and improving birthweight and delivery type for women not in PTL.
• For women experiencing PTL, one study found no significant difference in PTB rates between relaxation and control groups; birthweight also showed no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence suggests relaxation during pregnancy can reduce maternal stress and anxiety.
• However, the review found no significant effect of relaxation techniques on preventing PTL or PTB.
• The findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited quality and small sample sizes of the included studies.