K Nieminen1, A Malmquist2, B Wijma3, E-L Ryding4, G Andersson2,5, K Wijma1. 1. Unit of Medical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. 2. Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. 3. Unit of Gender and Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. 4. Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. 5. Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the expectations concerning imminent childbirth before and after 8 weeks of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) among nulliparous pregnant women with severe fear of childbirth. DESIGN: Qualitative study of nulliparous pregnant women's narratives before and after CBT. SETTING: The first ICBT programme for treating severe fear of childbirth. SAMPLE: Fifteen nulliparous pregnant Swedish women with severe fear of childbirth participating in an ICBT self-help programme. METHODS: Semi-structured open-ended questions over the internet before and after 8 weeks of ICBT. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants' narratives pertaining to five different situations during labour and delivery before and after ICBT. RESULTS: After therapy, participants described a more realistic attitude towards imminent childbirth, more self-confidence and more active coping strategies. They perceived their partners and the staff as more supportive. They were more aware of the approaching meeting with their baby when giving birth. CONCLUSIONS: Following the ICBT programme, participants changed their attitude towards imminent childbirth from negative to more positive. This was manifested in positive and more realistic expectations regarding themselves, their partner and the staff that would look after them.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the expectations concerning imminent childbirth before and after 8 weeks of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) among nulliparous pregnant women with severe fear of childbirth. DESIGN: Qualitative study of nulliparous pregnant women's narratives before and after CBT. SETTING: The first ICBT programme for treating severe fear of childbirth. SAMPLE: Fifteen nulliparous pregnant Swedish women with severe fear of childbirth participating in an ICBT self-help programme. METHODS: Semi-structured open-ended questions over the internet before and after 8 weeks of ICBT. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants' narratives pertaining to five different situations during labour and delivery before and after ICBT. RESULTS: After therapy, participants described a more realistic attitude towards imminent childbirth, more self-confidence and more active coping strategies. They perceived their partners and the staff as more supportive. They were more aware of the approaching meeting with their baby when giving birth. CONCLUSIONS: Following the ICBT programme, participants changed their attitude towards imminent childbirth from negative to more positive. This was manifested in positive and more realistic expectations regarding themselves, their partner and the staff that would look after them.
Authors: Kerry Evans; Stefan Rennick-Egglestone; Serena Cox; Yvonne Kuipers; Helen Spiby Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2022-02-15 Impact factor: 7.076