Authors (including presenting author) :
Kwok SY(1)
Wong TY(1)
Tsang C(2)
Ching SYD(2)
Affiliation :
Obstetric and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital (1) Physiotherapy, Queen Mary Hospital (2)
Introduction :
Unpredictable waiting of labour onset can be stressful and exhausting. While mothers can choose how to cope and act,
timely support and togetherness always make a difference. Research indicates that high anxiety scores increase the likelihood of negative labor experiences (Strandberg et al., 2021). Additionally, women engaged in exercise programs report better labor outcomes, including lower Cesarean rates and quicker recovery, highlighting the importance of encouraging participation in supervised antenatal exercise, such as yoga (Kwon et al., 2020).
This program is jointly designed by Physiotherapists and midwives, aiming to promote and support a physiological birth.
Objectives :
The main objective is to build up mothers’ confidence in giving birth, reducing anxiety and making a smooth transition of motherhood. Tactics include practical skills in labour & birth, deep relaxation exercise promoting good use of hormones etc. The effectiveness of the program will be measured by assessing anxiety levels before and after participation using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A.
Methodology :
Preparation
(1) Understand mothers’ needs by questionnaire
(2) Invite Physiotherapist for professional input with types of activity decided e.g. Exercise & pushing skills
(3) Meditation script to align the quality and continuity of service delivery
(4) Time of program: 2-3pm to fit patient’s schedule & manpower situation of both teams
(5) Environment: In the exercise sessions, we will prioritize safety and privacy for all participants. During meditation, we will create a calming atmosphere by providing a dimly lit, warm environment with minimized distractions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Study Design:
This program included a 30-minute physio-guided practice focusing on pelvis opening and deep relaxation exercises.
(1) Physiotherapist part: Birthball exercise aim at reducing labour pain and promoting labor progress. Pushing techniques for the second stage to build up confidence and facilitate giving birth.
(2) Midwifery part: meditation & breathing exercise, aim at deep relaxation and promote the production & use of natural laboring hormones.
Setting:
• It is conducted in a well-decorated cubicle in antenatal ward, Queen Mary Hospital.
• Birth balls, chairs and yoga mats
• Held twice weekly in the afternoon, 2-3pm
Participants:
Inclusion Criteria:
• Term pregnancy planning for vaginal birth
• Women with a low-risk pregnancy
Exclusion Criteria:
• Women with pregnancy complications (e.g. preeclampsia, placenta previa).
• Women advised against physical activity by their healthcare provider.
• Individuals with serious medical conditions that contraindicate participation in yoga.
Result & Outcome :
Expected Outcomes
The anticipated outcome is to reduce anxiety levels in pregnant women by 30% among the 30 participants over a 3-month period.
Feedback from mums: “I really enjoy the meditation part. I can feel the peace after meditation”, “the exercise part is very useful especially for mums like us undergoing induction. it is like a tuition class”
Limitations
It is important to note that balloon priming is excluded from this program, as balloons are typically inserted at night. Therefore, clients who undergo this procedure will receive care prior to it, which may lead to differing anxiety levels compared to those in the medication group.
