Relaxation exercises fail to aid childbirth

The study was conducted by researchers of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and 1,087 first time pregnant women participated in the study.

The antenatal classes during the study included breathing and relaxation techniques, along with information regarding handling the delivery and various delivery options available.

Findings of the study
Breathing and relaxation exercises taught in antenatal classes did not provide any benefit during childbirth. No optimistic differences were found in the experience of women during delivery after undergoing these relaxation classes.

“The lack of benefit from the techniques is disappointing and suggests that parents' experience of childbirth is affected more by their personality and previous psychological orientation than by the relatively limited training that is possible during pregnancy,” said Philip Steer, editor-in-chief of British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Conclusive observations
More research on relaxation techniques and their effects on pregnancy can only validate the findings of the present study. Also, these findings cannot be generalized since the results may differ for different countries as antenatal classes may vary in their curriculum.

Also, these lessons may not aid in delivery of child per se, but can definitely help in preparing the expectant mothers for childbirth. Cathy Warwick, general secretary at the Royal College of Midwives, said, “We believe that preparation for birth is an important component of delivering high quality maternity services.”

These preparatory classes are believed to help build up confidence of expectant mothers. The pregnant women are made to learn how to deal with the pregnancy and endurance pain during delivery.

In the UK, the childbirths are mostly undertaken by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which classifies regular delivery as one devoid of an epidural.

The study has been published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG).