Synnytyspelkoa lievittävät keinot raskausaikana äitien näkökulmasta : systemaattinen kirjallisuuskatsaus

Aim: The purpose of this systematic literature review was to
describe means to relieve fear of childbirth from the point of view of
mothers during pregnancy.
Data and methods: The material was searched from CINAHL,
MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Medic, Melinda and Cochrane databases and
by manual search from years 2008–2018. The material was limited
to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data consists of
22 studies, which were analyzed with inductive content analysis.
Results: Fear of childbirth was relieved by birthing classes, that
were based on different philosophies, which were traditional,
mindfulness, natural birthing philosophy and pilates-based classes.
Fear was also relieved by getting acquainted with the birthing facility
in advance, cognitive-behavioral therapy, haptotherapy, psycho-
education and prenatal care provided by a midwife. Also support
given by close relatives and the mother’s own activity in preparing
for childbirth helped with fear of childbirth.
Conclusions: There are many kinds of means that are proven
effective to relieve fear of childbirth, that should be offered to
mothers according to their individual needs. Prenatal classes in the
birthing facilities held by midwives play a central role in treating
fearful mothers. Previous studies focus on interventions. Hence
qualitative studies of mothers’ own means to relieve childbirth fear
should be conducted.