Guided Imagery for Nausea and Well-Being in Pregnant Women

This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of a guided imagery-based psychoeducational intervention on nausea and vomiting severity and psychological well-being in pregnant women. The study included pregnant women in their first trimester who were experiencing nausea and vomiting and met the inclusion criteria.

Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received a structured psychoeducational program based on guided imagery techniques. The program consisted of four face-to-face sessions, each lasting approximately 20-25 minutes. The first session included information about the relationship between nausea, vomiting, and psychological processes, as well as an introduction to guided imagery. Participants were also provided with an audio recording to support daily home practice. In subsequent sessions, guided imagery techniques were applied to reduce nausea symptoms, enhance relaxation, and promote psychological well-being. Participants were encouraged to practice the technique regularly and especially during episodes of nausea.

The control group received routine antenatal care without any additional intervention. Data were collected from both groups before and after the intervention using standardized instruments, including the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scale and a psychological well-being scale.

The study was retrospectively registered. Ethical approval was obtained from the Inonu University Health Sciences Scientific Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2024/5747).

Inclusion criteria

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Being in the first trimester of pregnancy (≤14 weeks)
• Experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
• Having a singleton pregnancy
• Being able to read and understand Turkish
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Having a high-risk pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa)
• Diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder or receiving psychiatric treatment
• Having a condition that may prevent participation in guided imagery (e.g., hearing or cognitive impairment)
• Previous experience with guided imagery or similar psychological interventions