The Effect of Self-Compassion Based Birth Preparation Program

The Effect of Self-Compassion Based Birth Preparation Program on Self-Compassion, Body Image, Fear of Childbirth, Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Pregnant Women

The pregnancy period, during which physiological, psychological and social changes occur, can negatively affect women mentally. It is stated that women's concerns about their own and their baby's health, anxiety and fear regarding birth, the uncertainty of the postpartum process and ambivalent feelings experienced cause negative mood changes. During pregnancy, body image dissatisfaction may develop due to weight gain, posture and skin changes, and this may cause women to experience depressive symptoms. Psychological changes such as depression, anxiety and stress experienced during pregnancy cause women to experience fear and anxiety regarding birth. Fear of birth, which is affected by many factors, also affects women's birth preferences and method. Fear of birth also affects women's psychological well-being in the postpartum period. Interventions are needed to ensure and maintain the psychological resilience of pregnant women. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a self-compassion-based birth preparation program on self-compassion, body image, fear of birth, depression, anxiety and stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Those who are 18 years of age and older,

  • Those who have at least primary school education,
  • Those who understand and speak Turkish,
  • Those who reside within the borders of Ordu province,
  • Those who have no obstacle to vaginal birth,
  • Those who conceive naturally,
  • Those who have a singleton pregnancy,
  • Those who are 28 weeks or more pregnant,
  • Pregnant women who agree to participate in the study will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• - Those who have a history of risky pregnancies,
• Those who have chronic and/or psychiatric health problems,
• Those who have a cesarean section indication will not be included in the study. Exclusion criteria for the study
• Those who are planned for a cesarean section due to medical indications at any stage of the study,
• Those who do not attend at least three sessions of the education program,
• Those who are at risk during the pregnancy at any stage of the study,
• Pregnant women who start labor while the study is ongoing will be excluded from the study.