Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Intervention and Prenatal Yoga on Birth Self-Efficacy, Fear of Childbirth, and Preferred Mode of Delivery in Primigravid Women

The Impact of a Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Intervention and Prenatal Yoga on Birth Self-Efficacy, Fear of Childbirth, and Preferred Mode of Delivery in Primigravid Women

(a) This thesis aims to examine the effects of counseling and prenatal yoga implemented within the scope of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) model on birth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, and birth mode preferences among primigravid women. The planned study is expected to support the existing literature and constitutes an original contribution by addressing women's health from a holistic perspective.

(b) This prospective randomized controlled study is planned to be conducted face-to-face between January 2026 and February 2027 at Medipol Ankara Hospital and Hacettepe University with a total of n = 164 pregnant women who volunteer to participate in the study and have no previous birth experience (control: 41; intervention-1 [counseling based on the MBCP model]: 41; intervention-2 [prenatal yoga]: 41; intervention-3 [combined MBCP-based counseling and prenatal yoga]: 41).

Within the scope of the study, an 8-week intervention program including MBCP-based counseling and prenatal yoga will be implemented. Data will be collected using the Introductory Information Form developed in line with the literature, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Personal Information Form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ A), the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory Short Form, the Fear of Childbirth Scale, and the Birth Mode Preference Scale.

The study will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, and the CONSORT checklist will be followed during the reporting process.

(c) The thesis will be carried out by a doctoral student in the thesis phase and their advisor at the Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University.

(d) The findings of this thesis are expected to provide comprehensive evidence regarding the effects of MBCP-based counseling and prenatal yoga interventions on birth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, and birth mode preferences among pregnant women. Furthermore, the results are anticipated to contribute significantly to academic, social, healthcare, and economic domains, and to support the strengthening of woman-centered care approaches in maternity services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteered to participate in the study,
• Were between 18 and 45 years of age,
• Were literate,
• Were between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation,
• Were primigravid,
• Had a singleton viable pregnancy,
• Were able to use a mobile phone or computer,
• Scored ≤12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS),
• Had not previously received prenatal yoga training.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ART),
• Had a high-risk pregnancy,
• Were multiparous,
• Had a diagnosed psychiatric disorder or were receiving psychiatric treatment (as reported by the patient and/or physician),
• Had a mental condition such as intellectual disability or dementia that could interfere with cooperation (as reported by the patient and/or physician),
• Were currently participating in any individual or group psychotherapy or counseling program,
• Had visual or hearing impairments that could hinder communication.