Investigating the Effect of Art Therapy on Women With Fear of Childbirth During Pregnancy: A Mixed Method Study

Launched by KK WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · Feb 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how Art Therapy can help women who are experiencing a strong fear of childbirth during pregnancy. This fear, known as Fear of Childbirth (FOC), can make women feel anxious and may lead to complications during and after delivery. The researchers want to find out if participating in Art Therapy can improve feelings of confidence in becoming a mother, strengthen the bond between mother and baby, and reduce feelings of sadness after childbirth.

To participate in this study, women aged 21 to 50 who are currently pregnant with one baby and are between 13 to 27 weeks along can join if they have a high score on a specific fear scale. Those who take part in the study will either receive Art Therapy or continue with standard care during their pregnancy. The study will include interviews to understand how participants feel about the Art Therapy experience. If the therapy proves effective, it could become a helpful option for women facing fears about childbirth.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• • Phase I
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Aged between 21 and 50 years old
• • 2. English literate
• • 3. Having an intrauterine singleton live pregnancy
• • 4. Currently in the second trimester of the pregnancy (between 13 to 27 weeks of pregnancy)
• • 5. Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS) score of 60 and above
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. With contraindication for vaginal birth (for example placenta covering cervix)
• • 2. With obstetric complications during pregnancy such as fetal anomaly that is incompatible with life
• • 3. With current depression requiring medical intervention
• • 4. Who had stillborn delivery
• • Phase II Inclusion Criteria Enrolled participants who had undergone the Art Therapy intervention in phase one