Self-Hypnosis for Intrapartum Pain management (SHIP) in pregnant nulliparous women: a randomised controlled trial of clinical effectiveness

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: (Primary): to establish the effect of antenatal group self-hypnosis for nulliparous women on intra-partum epidural use

Design: Multi-method RCT

Setting: Three NHS Trusts

Population: Nulliparous women not planning elective caesarean, without medication for hypertension and without psychological illness.

Methods: Randomisation at 28-32 weeks gestation to usual care, or to usual care plus brief self-hypnosis training (two x 90 minute groups at around 32 and 35 weeks gestation; daily audio self-hypnosis CD). Follow up at two and six weeks postnatal.

Main outcome measures:- Primary: epidural analgesia Secondary: associated clinical and psychological outcomes; economic analysis.

Results: 680 women were randomised. There was no statistically significant difference in epidural use: 27.9% (intervention), 30.3% (control), odds ratio (OR) 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64 to 1.24), or in 27 of 29 pre-specified secondary clinical and psychological outcomes. Women in the intervention group had lower actual than anticipated levels of fear and anxiety between baseline and two weeks post natal (anxiety: OR -0.72, 95% CI -1.16 to -0.28, P= 0.001); fear (OR -0.62, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.16, p = 0.009) Postnatal response rates were 67% overall at two weeks. The additional cost of the intervention per woman was £4.83 (CI -£257.93 to £267.59).

Conclusions: Allocation to two third-trimester group self-hypnosis training sessions did not significantly reduce intra-partum epidural analgesia use or a range of other clinical and psychological variables. The impact of women’s anxiety and fear about childbirth needs further investigation.

Trial registration: ISRCTN27575146 http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN27575146