Hypnosis Antenatal Training for Childbirth (HATCh): a randomised controlled trial

Funded Activity Summary

Pain and fear associated with childbirth is commonplace. Currently utilised methods of pain relief have limitations and well recognised complications. Evidence suggests that learning self- hypnosis for childbirth may allow mothers to: reduce their need for drugs to relieve pain or to stimulate labour and, increase the chance of having a spontaneous vaginal birth. In addition self hypnosis may reduce a mother's anxiety and the chance of postnatal depression. This trial will take place in the largest tertiary maternity unit in South Australia. Women > 34 and < 39 weeks pregnant, who are planning a vaginal birth with one baby lying head first, are eligible to participate. Those women with previous experience of using hypnosis for childbirth; poor English requiring a translator; active severe depression or psychosis under the care of a psychiatrist; or pre-existing pain will be excluded. The women will be allocated by chance into one of three groups; Group 1 participants receive antenatal hypnosis training in preparation for childbirth administered by a qualified hypnotherapist with the use of an audio compact disc on hypnosis for re-enforcement; Group 2 women will receive antenatal hypnosis training in preparation for childbirth using an audio compact disc on hypnosis administered by a nurse with no training in hypnotherapy; Group 3 participants continue with their usual preparation for childbirth with no additional intervention. Women assigned to hypnosis groups commence hypnosis training as near as possible to 37 weeks pregnancy. We plan to recruit 150 women - group. This is the largest well designed trial investigating antenatal hypnosis group preparation for childbirth in late pregnancy. If effective, antenatal hypnosis training would be a simple, inexpensive way to improve the childbirth experience, reduce complications associated with drugs and yield cost savings in maternity care. In addition, this trial will provide clear evidence to guide clinical practice.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2007

End Date: 01-01-2009

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $222,754.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

Analgesia | Childbirth | Hypnosis | Pregnancy | Self-hypnosis | childbirth | labour pain | postnatal depression

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