A Critical Advantage of Hypnobirthing to Ameliorate Antenatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) March 23, 2025 Feni Betriana, Sunarno Sunarno, Wiwit Nurwidyaningtyas et al.
Hypnobirthing, a non-invasive therapy involving hypnosis, relaxation, breathing exercises, and visualization, appears to reduce depression during pregnancy. A systematic review of nine studies and meta-analysis of four found that most studies reported improvements in antenatal depression, despite differences in how the therapy was delivered and how long it lasted. The therapy was administered through various methods including daily relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, J-breathing, meditation, and ego strengthening, with participants encouraged to practice at home and followed up via visits, phone calls, or messages. The findings suggest hypnobirthing can help, but more research is needed to standardize protocols and assess long-term effects.