Maternal anxiety is known to have adverse effects on the fetus and the neonate.
Relaxation is proven to reduce anxiety and perceived stress (Bastani, 2005, and Teixeira, 2005).
Relaxation in addition to routine prenatal care has been shown to reduce incidence of C-section, instrumental delivery, and low birth weight (Bastani, et al., 2006).
Progressive muscle relaxation has been found to be effective in pregnant women with bronchial asthma. They had a reduction is systolic BP and increased FEV1 and PEF (Nickel, 2006). These changes would be expected to reduce the adverse effects of asthma on pregnancy.
Hypnosis has been used in obstetrical care for over a century. Self-hypnosis has gained popularity for use in pain reduction during labor. This is called hypnobirthing or hypnotherapy (Mottershead, 2006). Trials have shown reduced analgesia and epidural use (Cyna, et al., 2006), less augmentation of labor by medications, less fear and anxiety, fewer complicated deliveries (Mehl-Madrona, 2004).