Emotional Freedom Technique During Pregnancy

Launched by KTO KARATAY UNIVERSITY · May 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a technique called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as "Tapping Therapy." EFT is a method that combines talking therapies with gentle tapping on specific points of the body to help reduce fear and anxiety related to childbirth. The researchers aim to see how this technique can help first-time pregnant women (called primigravidas) feel less anxious about giving birth and improve their feelings about the birth experience. The study will take place at a hospital in Konya, Turkey, from June to December 2025.

To participate in this trial, women must be at least 18 years old, able to communicate in Turkish, and currently pregnant with their first child, at least 32 weeks along in their pregnancy. They should also have some anxiety about childbirth. However, women with high-risk pregnancies, certain health issues, or those planning a cesarean delivery won't be eligible. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive the EFT treatment, while the other group will not. This research could provide valuable insights into how EFT may help reduce fear and improve the overall birth experience for first-time mothers.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Primary education level or higher
• • Able to speak, understand and write Turkish,
• • 18 years of age or older,
• • Residing in Konya province,
• • No disability for vaginal delivery,
• • Primigravida,
• • Anxiety level of 1 or higher when measured with the subjective discomfort unit scale,
• • Pregnant women who are at 32 weeks of gestation or above according to the last menstrual date or according to calculations made with USG data for pregnant women who do not know the last menstrual date.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant individuals with high-risk pregnancies,
• • Those who have undergone infertility treatment,
• • Those with any fetal health problems,
• • Those with physical or mental illnesses,
• • Those with a cesarean section indication or who plan to deliver via cesarean section,
• • Those with chronic and/or psychiatric health issues and those who have participated in any childbirth preparation education were excluded from the study.