Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40405826›Full record

ArticleJournal of advanced nursing2026

Evaluating a Group-Based Intervention Addressing Fear of Childbirth in Multiparous Pregnant Women: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

Laura Sandström, Marja Kaunonen, Heini Huhtala, Anna Liisa Aho

Registry-linked trialAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of advanced nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT05766202 (The Development and Feasibility of Fear of Childbirth Intervention Aiming to Reduce Fear in Pregnant Multiparas), which is not on this map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

NCT05766202 nacompletednot on this map

The Development and Feasibility of Fear of Childbirth Intervention Aiming to Reduce Fear in Pregnant Multiparas: a Mixed Methods Study

TypeinterventionalSponsorTampere UniversityRan2023 to 2024Enrolled19ConditionsFear of Childbirth, Anxiety, DepressionArmsAn group intervention for multiparas with fear of childbirth
3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Laura SandströmTampere University, Tampere, Finland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7231-0161
Marja KaunonenTampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Heini HuhtalaTampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Anna Liisa AhoTampere University, Tampere, Finland.

Funding

Hämeen Rahasto 15231831
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based intervention for addressing fear of childbirth in multiparous women.

designSingle-arm non-randomised feasibility trial with a convergent mixed methods design.

methodsThe intervention, conducted at a central maternity hospital and led by a psychiatric nurse and a midwife, included three prenatal and one postnatal face-to-face group sessions, supplemented by a phone call. Quantitative measures were gathered via self-report questionnaires at baseline, before birth, and post-intervention. Exit interviews were conducted with participants and interventionists. Additional data included records from recruiting midwives, the primary investigator, and diaries filled out by the interventionists after each session. Primary outcomes assessed included recruitment, adherence, acceptability, and fidelity. Secondary outcomes included fear of childbirth, anxiety, depression, and childbirth experience.

resultsThe intervention was feasible and acceptable. Recruitment and adherence aligned with pre-study expectations. Indicative results suggested potential improvement in fear of childbirth and helped secure a positive childbirth experience, particularly through peer discussions and the birthing class.

conclusionWhile the intervention is considered feasible and acceptable, it requires further refinement before proceeding to a multicentre randomised controlled pilot trial. IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: The group-based intervention may have potential in reducing fear of childbirth and enhancing the childbirth experience for multiparous women. These women may particularly benefit from peer support and childbirth classes. IMPACT: Rising fear of childbirth can adversely affect mothers, families, and society. Existing interventions often target primiparous women, neglecting multiparous women. This study evaluated a novel group-based intervention for fear of childbirth in multiparous women in Finland. Findings confirmed its feasibility and acceptability, with preliminary results showing a positive impact on fear of childbirth. Further research is needed to validate these findings. This research has implications for multiparous women and the healthcare professionals supporting them. REPORTING

methodsThe study adhered to CONSORT extension guidelines for reporting randomised pilot and feasibility trials (Supplementary file 1) and the TIDieR checklist (Supplementary file 2). PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, focusing on the development of the intervention.

trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov: NCT05766202.

Indexed as

FearParturitionPregnant PeopleAdultFeasibility StudiesFemaleHumansParityPregnancyfear of childbirthfeasibility studygroup‐based interventionmixed methodsmultiparous womenpregnancy

Identifiers

PMID40405826
PMCPMC12994669

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