Partner delivered relaxation massage to support mild antenatal anxiety; views of participants
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Midwifery, 2022, 105, (-), pp. 103229
- Issue Date:
- 2022-02-01
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-s2.0-S0266613821003041-main.pdf | 427.98 kB |
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Background Approximately one fifth of pregnant women suffer from anxiety and or depression These mental health conditions are associated with increased infant and maternal morbidity Relaxation massage has the potential to improve mental health and may provide a vaulable option for pregnant women This paper reports on participants experiences of partner delivered massage as a technique to manage mild antenatal anxiety Methods We conducted a feasibility study with 44 pregnant women who self assessed as mildly anxious The women were randomised into massage therapy 14 women partner dyads or to an active control group 13 women 4 6 weeks after the birth of their baby massage group participants were invited to be interviewed about their experiences twelve women and four partners agreed The qualitative data was analysed using reflective thematic analysis Results Four themes emerged from the data Supporting mental health Connecting Useful and adaptable and Making it happen Partner delivered massage was an accessible and practical method to manage mild anxiety for pregnant women in this study The massage program also provided useful skills for participants to apply in their lives after the birth of their child which has the potential to continue to support maternal mental health as well as partner connection Conclusion Partner delivered massage offers low cost accessible option for pregnant women to manage their mild anxiety These findings have particular relevance in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic where anecdotal reports indicate that antenatal stress is increasing and women may have limited access to healthcare services 2021 Elsevier Ltd
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