Investigating Non-Pharmacologic Treatment Methods in Reducing Anxiety in Pregnant Women of Low-Risk and High-Risk Groups: A Systematic Review

Considering the adverse effects of anxiety in pregnant women during pregnancy and labor, various studies have investigated nursing and obstetric techniques as alternative treatment methods to improve mental health and reduce anxiety in pregnant women of low-risk and high-risk groups. This study aims to review the existing literature on this subject and provide a conclusion.

In this systematic review, the necessary information was gathered from the following databases from 2000 to 2022, Since Direct, Scopus, PubMed, SID, Google Scholar, and Iran Registry of Clinical Trials

A total of 99 articles (52 in Persian and 47 in English) were investigated. Of this sample, 10 studies were conducted in the high-risk group of pregnant women, and 89 studies were conducted in the low-risk group of pregnant women. Meanwhile, 23 different methods of reducing anxiety in the low-risk and high-risk groups of pregnant women during pregnancy or the first stages of pregnancy were employed. Among the articles, the relaxation method (20 articles), mindfulness (15 articles), using Quran verses and spiritual treatment based on religious teachings (14 articles), aromatherapy (11 articles), and music therapy (6 articles) were the most effective articles compared to other methods investigated by researchers.

Based on the studies, active relaxation, and progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can be used as a practical method to reduce anxiety and improve disorders during pregnancy due to being easy and understandable. Also, the use of Quran verses and spiritual treatment based on spiritual training, considering Iranian and Islamic culture, can effectively reduce anxiety in pregnant women and play a crucial role during pregnancy and in the first stages of pregnancy.