Cognitive behavior stress management during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND:Pregnancy stress could lead to adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. Few studies have explored the effectiveness of stress management strategy among pregnant women. OBJECTIVES/AIMS/HYPOTHESES:To examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management for pregnant women. DESIGN:Randomized Controlled Trial. METHODS:100 pregnant women (at 6-8 week of pregnancy) were selected by convenience sampling. Participants in the control group (N = 50) received routine prenatal examination and health education, while those in the intervention group (N = 50) received cognitive-behavioral stress management. Pregnancy Pressure Scale was measured at baseline and 39th weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS:Pregnancy Pressure Scale score increased in both intervention and control groups. However, the score in the intervention group was significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Cognitive-behavioral stress managment can effectively reduce pregnant women's stress levels. IMPACT STATEMENT:Nurses and midwives should conduct cognitive-behavioral stress management to help pregnant women reduce their stress