How effective is self-hypnosis during labour? 

A three-year randomised controlled trial involving 680 first-time mothers from three hospitals in the North West has been conducted to investigated the impact of self-hypnosis on epidural use during labour.  The participants in the hypnosis group were invited to two 90-minute group self-hypnosis sessions at 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, as well as having a CD to listen to daily (at a cost of £4.83 per person).  The use of epidurals in labour was then recorded and also participants and their birth companions were sent questionnaires at two and six weeks after giving birth, to compare their postnatal levels of fear and anxiety.

There was no significant difference in the use of epidurals between the two groups, however women in the self-hypnosis group had a greater reduction in anxiety and fear about childbirth postnatally than women in the usual care group.  Researchers suggest further work should be done into the significance of this finding.

Professor Downe, who led the study, said: ‘Adding prenatal self-hypnosis training to usual care in a UK setting does not seem to affect rates of epidural pain relief. However, the results do suggest that the therapy might reduce postnatal anxiety and fear about childbirth, which would suggest there may be benefits for their next pregnancy.

In light of this study East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has decided to offer this service free to all mums-to-be.  Self-hypnosis will be offered under a scheme called ‘EMPOWER’ at the Blackburn and Burnley centres and at the Rossendale Birth Centre.

Russ McLean, chairman of Pennine Lancashire Patients’ Voice, said: “’I think this is a wonderful idea. The mind is very powerful.  I commend the trust on the trial and extending it to all mothers in East Lancashire.”

Read the study abstract here

Read the RCM report here

Article on the introduction of the programme can be found here