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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07566026

Breathing Exercises During Labor and Maternal Outcomes

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of guided breathing exercises applied during labor on maternal stress, pain, anxiety, birth satisfaction, and labor outcomes. Pregnant women were randomly assigned to a breathing exercise group or a routine care group. Maternal psychological outcomes and labor-related clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

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Key information

Conditions

Labor Pain Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Mental Disorders Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Stress, Psychological

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Nilgün Avcı

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Labor is a physiological process that may be accompanied by pain, anxiety, and psychological stress, which can negatively affect birth satisfaction and labor outcomes. Non-pharmacological interventions such as breathing exercises are widely used to support women during labor.

In this randomized controlled experimental study, pregnant women admitted to the labor and delivery unit during the latent phase were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving guided breathing exercises throughout labor or a control group receiving routine intrapartum care only. Breathing exercises were applied continuously during uterine contractions until full cervical dilatation.

Maternal pain intensity, anxiety, traumatic birth perception, birth satisfaction, and labor outcomes including labor duration and obstetric interventions were assessed using validated measurement tools. The study aimed to determine whether breathing exercises could improve maternal psychological well-being, enhance birth satisfaction, and positively influence labor outcomes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Pregnant women admitted to the labor and delivery unit during the latent phase
  • Women planning vaginal birth
  • Volunteered to participate

Exclusion criteria

  • Women who did not speak Turkish
  • Women with auditory or mental health problems

Treatment and study plan

Guided Breathing Exercises During Labor

Behavioral

Pregnant women were instructed and guided to perform slow, controlled breathing exercises during each uterine contraction from the latent phase until full cervical dilatation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Birth Satisfaction

    Time frame: During the fourth stage of labor (within 2 hours after birth).

    Birth satisfaction assessed using the Short Form of the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS-R).

    Scores range from 0 to 40; higher scores indicate greater satisfaction.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Labor Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Repeatedly during labor from admission to the labor unit until delivery.

    Pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Scores range from 0 to 10; higher scores indicate more severe pain.

  2. Labor-Related Anxiety

    Time frame: During the fourth stage of labor (within 2 hours after birth).

    Anxiety measured using the Oxford Worries About Labour Scale. Scores range from 10 to 40; higher scores indicate greater anxiety.

  3. Traumatic Birth Perception

    Time frame: At admission to the labor unit (baseline) and during the fourth stage of labor (within 2 hours after birth).

    Traumatic birth perception measured using the Traumatic Birth Perception Scale. Scores range from 0 to 130; higher scores indicate greater traumatic perception.

  4. Fetal Heart Rate During NST

    Time frame: During the NST monitoring session (approximately 20 minutes, same visit).

    Fetal heart rate assessed from NST recordings during the monitoring session. Measured in beats per minute; normal patterns indicate better fetal well-being.

  5. Fetal Movement Count During NST

    Time frame: During the NST monitoring session (approximately 20 minutes, same visit).

    Number of fetal movements recorded by the mother using the event marker during NST monitoring.

    Higher counts indicate greater fetal activity.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Nilgun Avci

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Breathing Exercises During Labor on Maternal Stress, Satisfaction, and Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
May 4, 2026
Registry last updated
May 4, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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