Work

Effects of group hypnotic intervention on pregnant mental health and delivery mode: a retrospective analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent during pregnancy, with psychological interventions being recommended as the first-line treatment. Objective This study examined the effects of group hypnotic intervention on prenatal depression, anxiety symptoms, and delivery mode. Methods In a single-center retrospective observational design, 237 pregnant women were included. The intervention group received group hypnotic sessions, while the control group received standard prenatal care. Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, including scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and heart rate variability (low-frequency/high-frequency ratio [LF/HF]). Measurements were collected at three gestational timepoints (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 38 weeks’ gestation). Between-group and within-group differences in symptom scores and LF/HF were analyzed, and a logistic regression analysis assessed the association between the intervention and the delivery mode. Results Within-group analyses demonstrated sustained improvement in depression/anxiety symptoms ( p < 0.001) and increased LF/HF ratio ( p < 0.001) in the intervention group from pre-intervention to 38 weeks’ gestation. In contrast, the control group exhibited reduced HADS, HAMD, and HAMA scores at post-intervention (vs. pre-intervention; p = 0.002–0.003), but returned to baseline levels at 38 weeks’ gestation (vs. pre-intervention, p = 0.083–0.216). Between-group comparisons revealed significantly greater reductions in HADS, HAMD, and HAMA scores across all time points in the intervention group vs. controls ( p < 0.001 for all). Vaginal delivery rates were also significantly higher in the intervention group ( p = 0.04). Conclusion Group hypnotic intervention effectively alleviated prenatal depression and anxiety symptoms and improved vaginal delivery outcomes, suggesting its integration into routine prenatal mental healthcare protocols.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1671398

Authors: Xuelian Cui, Wei Chen, Xiaosong Yuan, Huiwen Hu, Zhiwei Liu

Institution: Nanjing Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801