Effect of Stress Ball Application On Anxiety Levels of Pregnant Women During Non-Stress Test: Randomized Controlled Experimental Study.

Background: This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of stress ball application on stress levels of pregnant women during non-stress tests. Methods: The study included 80 primiparous pregnant women (n = 40 in the experimental group and n = 40 in the control group) and was carried out in a state hospital's non-stress test room. Data for the study were gathered using Individual Description Form, and the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: Both groups are independent and homogeneous in terms of the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of pregnant women (P > .05). While there was no statistically significant difference between the STAI-1 score averages of the experimental and control groups in the pre-test of the research (P > .05), in the post-test of the research, it was determined that the STAI-2 average score of the women in the experimental group was significantly lower than the women in the control group (P < .001). In the intra-group comparison, while there was a statistically significant difference between the STAI-1 and STAI-2 score averages in the experimental group (P < .001), no statistically significant difference was detected between the STAI-1 and STAI-2 score averages in the control group (P = .696). Conclusion: In this study, the use of a stress ball during the non-stress test is effective in reducing anxiety levels in pregnant women.

The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an important health problem that affects women of childbearing age. Mindfulness, a meditation practice that cultivates the acceptance of events as they occur in the moment without judgment, is a promising strategy to help women cope with PMS. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in decreasing premenstrual symptoms compared with a control group. METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-masked randomized controlled trial conducted between February and April 2022 with 90 university students. Participants were women between 20 and 30 years of age, scored at least 45 on the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and were not receiving other treatments for PMS. Participants were randomized into experimental (MBSR) and control groups in a 1:1 allocation. MBSR was provided in 8 weekly sessions lasting 2.5 hours and a 6-hour silence retreat during week 6. Symptoms of PMS were evaluated with the PMSS at baseline and postintervention. Differences between groups were compared postintervention using analysis of covariance to correct for baseline scores. The study was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov before the data collection process was initiated (NCT05191108). RESULTS: Of the 90 enrolled participants, 74 participants completed the study and postintervention assessment (37 in each group). Immediately postintervention, the women in the experimental group had significantly lower PMS symptoms than women in the control group (PMSS total score, 96.35 vs 123.02; P < .001). The effect size for the change in premenstrual symptoms was large (partial η2 , 0.510). Specific symptoms measured by the PMSS subscales all showed significant reductions in scores in the MBSR group compared with the control group. DISCUSSION: A mindfulness stress reduction program was effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms. MBSR programs may be used as a therapy for PMS. Future studies should test MBSR in larger and more diverse groups of women with PMS.

Effects of acupressure and shower applied in the delivery on the intensity of labor pain and postpartum comfort.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Labour pain is a constantly increasing pain. This study thus aims to determine the effects of acupressure and shower on labour pain and postpartum comfort. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), the control group consisted of 40 pregnant women, while the experimental groups consisted of 80 pregnant women in total. The experimental groups received routine labour care and either acupressure or showers upon reaching three cervical dilations (4-5, 6-7 and 8-10 cm). The control group only received routine labour care. A maternal information form (MIF), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ) were used to collect data. RESULTS: Pain was significantly reduced in both of the experimental groups, in contrast to the control group, in all periods of the study (p < 0.001). Postpartum comfort also significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupressure and showering are effective in reducing labour pain and increasing postpartum comfort. Midwives and nurses can therefore apply them as inexpensive and easy to administer methods for labour pain relief.

Effects of music medicine on premenstrual symptoms levels and quality of life: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome is an important health problem affecting women of reproductive age. This study aimed to show that music medicine can be used to reduce the premenstrual syndrome levels and increase the quality of life of women. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS: The study was conducted between January and April 2021 on 97 college students. The participants consisted of women over 20 years of age and suffering from premenstrual syndrome. The participants were randomized into music and control groups. RESULTS: Immediately post-intervention, the women in the experimental groups had significantly higher reduced premenstrual syndrome levels and an improved quality of life. Music and control groups were evaluated with The Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) and the short form of the Short of World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Comparing these two groups, music significantly reduced the premenstrual syndrome level after application (PMSS-1123.23 ± 32.06 vs. 105.90 ± 27.55, respectively, PMSS-2 94.21 ± 28.42 vs. 119.44 ± 27.29, respectively, p < .05). Comparing the music medicine and control groups had significantly increased WHOQOL-BREF scores (Physical, psychological, and environmental) after the application (13.71 vs. 13.14; 14.33 vs. 15.44 vs.14.66, respectively, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Premenstrual symptoms were significantly reduced in the music medicine group than the control group. Additionally, music medicine improves the quality of life.

The effect of music and skin contact with the newborn on pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair in primiparous women: A double-blind randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To show that music medicine and skin contact with the newborns can reduce pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial SETTING: The study was conducted between April and July 2020 at the private Medipol Nisa Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 150 primiparous pregnant women over 20 years of age who underwent vaginal delivery with episiotomy INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized into the music medicine, skin contact with the newborn, and control groups (with no treatment). After episiotomy repair (with the designated treatment or no treatment), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Analog Scale were used to assess anxiety and pain, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and anxiety experienced after episiotomy repair in the treatment and control groups. RESULTS: Women in both treatment groups (music medicine and skin-to-skin contact) had significantly lower anxiety and pain levels than those in the control group. In particular, music medicine significantly reduced pain in comparison to skin contact with the newborn (VAS 2 3.92 ± 1.46 vs. 5.42 ± 1.73, respectively, VAS 3 2.64 ± 1.63 vs. 5.14 ± 1.77, respectively, VAS 4 1.38 ± 1.46 vs. 4.14 ± 2.04, respectively, p < 0.05). Thus, music medicine is more effective than skin-to-skin contact in reducing the pain experienced during episiotomy repair, but both treatments were equally effective in reducing anxiety (35.30 ± 6.47 vs. 36.82 ± 9.71 vs. 49.22 ± 16.95, respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both of these nonpharmacological treatments can be used along with analgesics and anxiolytics for the treatment of pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair.

Effects of Olive Oil on Striae Gravidarum in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

Context: The development of striae gravidarum (SG), stretch marks, is one of the most common skin changes during pregnancy. The number of studies conducted on the reduction or prevention of SG, especially on the effects of olive oil, is limited. Objective: The study intended to evaluate the clinical efficacy of olive oil in reducing the severity and preventing the progression of SG when used from the third trimester of pregnancy to the child's birth. Design: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Setting: The data was collected at the private Medipol Nisa Hospital. The trial registry number is NCT04489901. Participants: Participants were 156 Turkish women having their first pregnancies and in their third trimester. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. Women in the intervention group applied olive oil to their abdomens twice a day, in the morning and evening. The control group used no intervention. Outcome Measures: The participants' striae levels were assessed using the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale and Davey's Severity Score. Results: A statistically significant difference existed between the intervention and the control groups in terms of incidence and type of striae gravidarum, with the intervention group having a 50% incidence and 85.9% type 2 striae compared to the control group's 69.2% incidence and 35.9% type 4 striae. According to Davey's Severity Score, the severity of striae was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group, with the scores being 2 and 4, respectively. Conclusions: Using olive oil was very effective in reducing the severity and preventing the progression of striae gravidarum.

Effects of acupressure, gum chewing and coffee consumption on the gastrointestinal system after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of postoperative acupressure in the recovery of the gastrointestinal system (GIS) after caesarean section. A total of 160 primipara pregnant women delivered by caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were randomised into four groups: group 1 (those who received acupressure), group 2 (coffee was provided three times a day), group 3 (chewed sugar-free gum for 15 min with an interval of 4 h from the second postoperative hour), and group 4 (control group). The first gas outflow and defaecation times of the women were compared among the groups. The first flatus and defaecation exit times of the women in the acupressure group were statistically earlier than those of the other groups. No difference was found among the gum-chewing, coffee, and control groups. Acupressure is effective in reducing the flatus and defaecation exit times due to GIS inactivity after abdominal surgery including caesarean section.Impact statementWhat is already known about the topic. The slowing of gastrointestinal system (GIS) motility also occurs after caesarean section aside from other surgical operations. If normal GIS movements do not occur, then several problems, such as the negative increase in the duration of breastfeeding and the mother-baby attachment during the postpartum period, may arise. Therefore, the early onset of bowel functions is important in women who give birth by caesarean section.What do the results of this study add. In the postoperative period, spontaneous GIS motility can be achieved by applying acupressure. The effective use of acupressure in the postoperative period prevents the need for pharmacological methods to eliminate the discomfort caused by the decreased motility of the GIS in women in the postpartum period.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research. Acupressure, a non-invasive, easy-to-use, and cost-effective method, plays a role in preventing GIS immotility. Midwives or obstetricians should receive training on acupuncture or acupressure and should ensure that acupuncture or acupressure practices are converted into a protocol to be implemented in the postoperative period. With this transformation, the treatment methods to increase GIS motility and the reduced medication use can decrease the mother's and the newborn's duration of hospital stay and the cost of hospitalisation.

Effects of Acupressure on Preoperative Acute Anxiety in Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Anxiety during the preoperative period is a common problem experienced by women who will deliver by cesarean section. The use of nonpharmacological methods to control anxiety in pregnant women has been shown to be more appropriate. This double-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted to assess the effect of acupressure on acute anxiety developing before cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. In the present study, 82 pregnant women scheduled for surgery were randomly assigned to the acupressure and control groups including 40 and 42 persons, respectively. Acupressure was applied to HE-7 acupuncture points in the participants in the acupressure (intervention) group for 10 minutes before the surgery. The participants in the control group were subjected to the hospital protocol. Anxiety levels of the participating women were assessed twice preoperatively using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Anxiety scores of the participants in the acupressure group before the procedure (49.13 ± 6.22) were higher than were those of the participants in the control group (41.71 ± 3.26); however, after the procedure, the anxiety scores decreased statistically significantly in the acupressure group (38.30 ± 4.45) compared with the control group (52.48 ± 7.30) (P < .001). Acupressure reduced the preoperative acute anxiety suffered by the participating pregnant women.

Effects of Acupressure Applied to P6 Point on Nausea Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled.

BACKGROUND: Two-thirds of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. The use of pharmacological drugs to alleviate this condition does not reduce nausea and vomiting to the desired extent. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of acupressure applied to Nei-guan (P6) point on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. METHODS: This study was designed as a double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: This study data was collected at a Private Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Turkish women with a singleton pregnancy at the gestation of 6-11 weeks were recruited. One hundred forty-nine women were randomized into the acupressure and control groups. INTERVENTION: While the women in the acupressure group applied acupressure point on both wrists 3 times a day for 1 week, the women in the control group performed no intervention. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants' pre- and post-procedure nausea-vomiting status was assessed using the Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Instrument. RESULTS: In the present study, acupressure applied to the participants in the acupressure group very significantly reduced nausea and vomiting (Before intervention 7 vs. After intervention 4) compared to the control group (Before intervention 7 vs. After intervention 8, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Statistical results have provided that acupressure taught to women was found to be highly effective in reducing pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Teaching pregnant women how to perform acupressure on their own will be an alternative method especially for women who do not want to use pharmacological methods in the first trimester of their pregnancy.

The effect of acupressure applied to points LV4 and LI4 on perceived acute postpartum perineal pain after vaginal birth with episiotomy: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Acupressure can be used for alleviating perineal pain sustained after a vaginal birth with episiotomy. To evaluate if a 10-min acupressure application relieved perineal pain after vaginal birth with episiotomy and if the analgesic effect was maintained for up to 120 min. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to May 2019 with 120 women. The participants were over 18 years old, had an episiotomy and experienced perineal pain ≥ 4, had not received anti-inflammatory medication or analgesics after childbirth, and were randomized to receive acupressure or ice-pack application on the perineum for 10 min or standard care. RESULTS: Immediately post-intervention, the women in the experimental groups had a significantly higher decrease in perineal pain. Within 120 min, there was a significant difference in the pain levels between the three groups. Each method (acupressure, ice package and control group) is evaluated for 30 min (VAS 3), 60 min (VAS 4) and 120 min (VAS 5). Comparing these 3 methods the acupressure has significantly reduced pain after the application (VAS 3 3.20 ± 1.28 vs. 3.77 ± 1.27 vs. 4.82 ± 0.93, respectively, VAS 4 2.65 ± 1.33 vs. 3.5 ± 1.37 vs. 4.62 ± 0.97, respectively, VAS 5 2.02 ± 1.44 vs. 3.5 ± 1.37 vs. 4.57 ± 0.93, respectively, p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Effective pain relief is achieved by applying acupressure for 10 min to the perineum and is maintained between 30, 60, and 120 min.