ChildbirthnonNCT07015086
The Effects of Positive Birth Experience Sharing and Guided Imagery on Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth
A study testing Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience Sharing in people with Childbirth, run by Gazi University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Brief Summary This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of positive birth experience sharing combined with guided imagery on fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy in primiparous pregnant women. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Childbirth
- What is being tested?
- Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience Sharing
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Oct 2025to 1 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 years or older Primiparous At 26-28 weeks of gestation at enrollment No maternal or fetal complications during the current pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, or congenital anomalies) No mental, hearing, visual, language, or other communication problems that could interfere with participation Able to use WhatsApp® and access the online study procedures Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Development of a maternal or fetal complication during the study Birth before 37 weeks of gestation Withdrawal from the study at the participant's request Failure to complete the post-intervention assessment Failure to perform the guided imagery exercise for three consecutive days (intervention group only)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Nursing Faculty of Gazi University
Ankara, Turkey
About this study
Brief Summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of positive birth experience sharing combined with guided imagery on fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy in primiparous pregnant women. The study is a single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial using stratified block randomization based on baseline fear of childbirth. A total of 62 pregnant women were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (n=31) or control group (n=31).
Read more
Participants were enrolled at 26-28 weeks of gestation. Before randomization, participants completed the Personal Information Form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A), and the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory-Short Form (CBSEI-C32) online. Participants were stratified according to their baseline W-DEQ-A scores and then randomly allocated to the intervention or control group.
The intervention was delivered individually and online via WhatsApp. Women in the intervention group participated in an approximately 30-minute individual online session during which one of the researchers shared a positive personal birth experience and answered participants' questions about childbirth. Participants were also provided with a standardized Turkish guided imagery audio recording based on childbirth-focused guided imagery techniques. They were instructed to listen to the approximately 20-minute recording independently once or twice daily for 10 weeks, preferably before bedtime. Daily WhatsApp reminders and a guided imagery exercise follow-up chart were used to support and monitor adherence.
Women in the control group received routine antenatal care and did not receive the positive birth experience sharing or guided imagery intervention. At the end of the 10-week intervention period, participants in both groups completed the W-DEQ-A and CBSEI-C32 online. Within the first three days after childbirth, the W-DEQ-B was administered online and mode of birth was recorded.
Read the detailed description
Fear of childbirth may negatively affect women's emotional well-being, perceptions of childbirth, and confidence in their ability to cope with labor. Non-pharmacological approaches that promote positive perceptions of childbirth and support women's coping resources may therefore be beneficial during pregnancy. Positive birth experience sharing may provide pregnant women with positive representations of childbirth, while guided imagery may help them mentally rehearse and approach the childbirth experience in a more positive and manageable way.
This study evaluates a combined intervention consisting of positive birth experience sharing and guided imagery in primiparous pregnant women. The intervention is initiated at 26-28 weeks of gestation and is delivered individually and online. During an individual online session, a researcher shares her own positive birth experience and provides participants with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues they are curious or concerned about regarding childbirth.
The guided imagery component is based on childbirth-focused guided imagery techniques. The original English-language guided imagery instructions were translated into Turkish and reviewed by the research team for clarity, comprehensibility, and suitability for pregnant women. The finalized Turkish script was subsequently recorded as a standardized audio recording. Participants use this recording independently at home throughout the 10-week intervention period. Daily reminders and a structured follow-up chart are used to support and monitor regular practice.
Assessments are conducted before randomization, after completion of the 10-week intervention, and during the early postpartum period. The study primarily examines changes in fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy during pregnancy and additionally evaluates fear associated with the actual childbirth experience after birth.
- Conditions
- Childbirth
- Being tested
- Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience Sharing
- Keywords
- birth, guided imagery, birth fear, positive birth experience, self-efficacy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience SharingBehavioural
The positive experience will be shared by one of the researchers and the pregnant women's questions will be answered after the sharing. The mental imagery techniques prepared by Rossman (2015) to facilitate birth will be used for the mental imagery application. After the training, the mental imagery instructions will be given to the pregnant women as an audio recording in mp3 format. The pregnant women will be asked to do the mental imagery once or twice a day for at least 8 weeks. The mental imagery application takes approximately 20 minutes. The pregnant women will be reminded to do the application every day via the Whatsapp® application. The pregnant women will be asked to mark whether they do the application every day or not on the weekly follow-up chart.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| experimental group | Experimental | Pregnant women in the intervention group will receive an individual online intervention at 26-28 weeks of gestation via WhatsApp®. During an approximately 30-minute session, one researcher will share her positive birth experience and answer participants' questions about childbirth. Participants will then receive a standardized Turkish MP3 recording based on Rossman's (2015) guided imagery techniques. They will be instructed to listen to the approximately 20-minute recording once or twice daily for 10 weeks, preferably before bedtime. Daily WhatsApp® reminders and a follow-up chart will be used to support and monitor adherence. Receives: Behavioral: Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience Sharing |
| control group | No intervention | Participants in the control group will receive routine antenatal care and no study intervention. The W-DEQ-A and CBSEI-C32 will be administered online at baseline and 10 weeks later, following the same assessment schedule as the intervention group. Within the first three days after childbirth, participants will complete the W-DEQ-B online, and mode of birth will be recorded. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Fear of Childbirth
Fear of childbirth will be assessed using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A). The scale consists of 33 items, with total scores ranging from 0 to 165. Higher scores indicate greater fear of childbirth.
Measured: Baseline (26-28 weeks of gestation) and 10 weeks after baseline
Difference of scores of the Labor Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form.
There is a difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of the mean post-test scores of the Labor Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form.The scale has two sub-dimensions: outcome and adequacy expectations. Each sub-dimension of the scale consists of 16 questions. The lowest score that can be obtained from the scale sub-dimensions is 16, and the highest score is 160. A high score obtained from the sub-dimensions indicates that pregnant women have high adequacy and outcome expectations regarding birth. Responses on the Likert-type scale are scored from 1 to 10. The lowest total score that can be obtained from the scale is 32, and the highest score is 320. High scores obtained from the scale indicate that pregnant women have high levels of self-efficacy in labor.
Measured: 8 weeks
Childbirth Self-Efficacy
Childbirth self-efficacy will be assessed using the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory-Short Form (CBSEI-C32). The 32-item scale includes Outcome Expectancy and Efficacy Expectancy subscales. Total scores range from 32 to 320, with higher scores indicating greater childbirth self-efficacy.
Measured: Baseline (26-28 weeks of gestation) and 10 weeks after baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Jun 2025
- Study start15 Oct 2025
- Primary completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ChildbirthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Gazi UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gazi University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sidika Pelit Aksu, Gazi University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07015086
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-77082166-604.01-1251133
- Other IDs
- non
- Acronym
- non
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 3 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to protect participant privacy and confidentiality. De-identified data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to ethical and institutional requirements.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Positive Birth Experience Sharing and Guided Imagery on Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07015086
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- non / E-77082166-604.01-1251133
- Conditions
- Childbirth
- Keywords
- birth, guided imagery, birth fear, positive birth experience, self-efficacy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Gazi UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Brief Summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of positive birth experience sharing combined with guided imagery on fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy in primiparous pregnant women. The study is a single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial using stratified block randomization based on baseline fear of childbirth. A total of 62 pregnant women were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (n=31) or control group (n=31).
Participants were enrolled at 26-28 weeks of gestation. Before randomization, participants completed the Personal Information Form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A), and the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory-Short Form (CBSEI-C32) online. Participants were stratified according to their baseline W-DEQ-A scores and then randomly allocated to the intervention or control group.
The intervention was delivered individually and online via WhatsApp. Women in the intervention group participated in an approximately 30-minute individual online session during which one of the researchers shared a positive personal birth experience and answered participants' questions about childbirth. Participants were also provided with a standardized Turkish guided imagery audio recording based on childbirth-focused guided imagery techniques. They were instructed to listen to the approximately 20-minute recording independently once or twice daily for 10 weeks, preferably before bedtime. Daily WhatsApp reminders and a guided imagery exercise follow-up chart were used to support and monitor adherence.
Women in the control group received routine antenatal care and did not receive the positive birth experience sharing or guided imagery intervention. At the end of the 10-week intervention period, participants in both groups completed the W-DEQ-A and CBSEI-C32 online. Within the first three days after childbirth, the W-DEQ-B was administered online and mode of birth was recorded.
Detailed description
Fear of childbirth may negatively affect women's emotional well-being, perceptions of childbirth, and confidence in their ability to cope with labor. Non-pharmacological approaches that promote positive perceptions of childbirth and support women's coping resources may therefore be beneficial during pregnancy. Positive birth experience sharing may provide pregnant women with positive representations of childbirth, while guided imagery may help them mentally rehearse and approach the childbirth experience in a more positive and manageable way.
This study evaluates a combined intervention consisting of positive birth experience sharing and guided imagery in primiparous pregnant women. The intervention is initiated at 26-28 weeks of gestation and is delivered individually and online. During an individual online session, a researcher shares her own positive birth experience and provides participants with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues they are curious or concerned about regarding childbirth.
The guided imagery component is based on childbirth-focused guided imagery techniques. The original English-language guided imagery instructions were translated into Turkish and reviewed by the research team for clarity, comprehensibility, and suitability for pregnant women. The finalized Turkish script was subsequently recorded as a standardized audio recording. Participants use this recording independently at home throughout the 10-week intervention period. Daily reminders and a structured follow-up chart are used to support and monitor regular practice.
Assessments are conducted before randomization, after completion of the 10-week intervention, and during the early postpartum period. The study primarily examines changes in fear of childbirth and childbirth self-efficacy during pregnancy and additionally evaluates fear associated with the actual childbirth experience after birth.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| experimental group | Experimental | Behavioral: Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience SharingPregnant women in the intervention group will receive an individual online intervention at 26-28 weeks of gestation via WhatsApp®. During an approximately 30-minute session, one researcher will share her positive birth experience and answer participants' questions about childbirth. Participants will then receive a standardized Turkish MP3 recording based on Rossman's (2015) guided imagery techniques. They will be instructed to listen to the approximately 20-minute recording once or twice daily for 10 weeks, preferably before bedtime. Daily WhatsApp® reminders and a follow-up chart will be used to support and monitor adherence. |
| control group | No intervention | –Participants in the control group will receive routine antenatal care and no study intervention. The W-DEQ-A and CBSEI-C32 will be administered online at baseline and 10 weeks later, following the same assessment schedule as the intervention group. Within the first three days after childbirth, participants will complete the W-DEQ-B online, and mode of birth will be recorded. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Aged 18 years or older Primiparous At 26-28 weeks of gestation at enrollment No maternal or fetal complications during the current pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, or congenital anomalies) No mental, hearing, visual, language, or other communication problems that could interfere with participation Able to use WhatsApp® and access the online study procedures Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Development of a maternal or fetal complication during the study Birth before 37 weeks of gestation Withdrawal from the study at the participant's request Failure to complete the post-intervention assessment Failure to perform the guided imagery exercise for three consecutive days (intervention group only)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience SharingThe positive experience will be shared by one of the researchers and the pregnant women's questions will be answered after the sharing. The mental imagery techniques prepared by Rossman (2015) to facilitate birth will be used for the mental imagery application. After the training, the mental imagery instructions will be given to the pregnant women as an audio recording in mp3 format. The pregnant women will be asked to do the mental imagery once or twice a day for at least 8 weeks. The mental imagery application takes approximately 20 minutes. The pregnant women will be reminded to do the application every day via the Whatsapp® application. The pregnant women will be asked to mark whether they do the application every day or not on the weekly follow-up chart. | Behavioural | experimental group |
Primary outcome
Fear of Childbirth
Time frame: Baseline (26-28 weeks of gestation) and 10 weeks after baseline
Fear of childbirth will be assessed using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A). The scale consists of 33 items, with total scores ranging from 0 to 165. Higher scores indicate greater fear of childbirth.
Difference of scores of the Labor Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form.
Time frame: 8 weeks
There is a difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of the mean post-test scores of the Labor Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form.The scale has two sub-dimensions: outcome and adequacy expectations. Each sub-dimension of the scale consists of 16 questions. The lowest score that can be obtained from the scale sub-dimensions is 16, and the highest score is 160. A high score obtained from the sub-dimensions indicates that pregnant women have high adequacy and outcome expectations regarding birth. Responses on the Likert-type scale are scored from 1 to 10. The lowest total score that can be obtained from the scale is 32, and the highest score is 320. High scores obtained from the scale indicate that pregnant women have high levels of self-efficacy in labor.
Childbirth Self-Efficacy
Time frame: Baseline (26-28 weeks of gestation) and 10 weeks after baseline
Childbirth self-efficacy will be assessed using the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory-Short Form (CBSEI-C32). The 32-item scale includes Outcome Expectancy and Efficacy Expectancy subscales. Total scores range from 32 to 320, with higher scores indicating greater childbirth self-efficacy.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to protect participant privacy and confidentiality. De-identified data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to ethical and institutional requirements.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Guided Imagery and Positive Birth Experience Sharing in people with Childbirth, run by Gazi University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Fear of Childbirth (time frame: Baseline (26-28 weeks of gestation) and 10 weeks after baseline). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Sep 2026.