Coloring away fear: mandala art therapy tested before C-Section in High-Risk pregnancies
NCT ID NCT07691320
First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether a 30-45 minute mandala coloring session before a planned C-section can lower surgical fear and stress in women with high-risk pregnancies (like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes). Half the participants will color a mandala, while the other half receives standard care. Researchers will measure fear levels and salivary cortisol, a stress hormone, to see if this simple art activity makes a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mandala art therapy (coloring session)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this simple, low-cost activity could offer a drug-free way to ease fear and stress before surgery for high-risk pregnant women.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-session study, so results may not apply broadly. The effect on fear or cortisol may be minimal or short-lived.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 142 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * The study sample will consist of high-risk nulliparous women scheduled for elective cesarean section on the same day. Participants will be included if they are 18 years of age or older, diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy conditions (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, oligohydramnios, etc.), at term pregnancy (37-42 weeks gestation), with a singleton pregnancy, and able to understand and complete the data collection forms. Exclusion Criteria: * Women with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, any condition that impairs communication (such as hearing, visual, or language impairments), those receiving systemic corticosteroid therapy, those with endocrine disorders that may affect cortisol levels, and those with active oral lesions such as aphthous ulcers or other oral mucosal lesions will be excluded from the study.
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As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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