Mind over matter: could breathing and focus during labor shield pelvic floor?
NCT ID NCT07771647
First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This trial tests whether mental resilience techniques—like breathing exercises, relaxation, and imagery—used during childbirth can help protect the pelvic floor in the months after delivery. First-time mothers in their third trimester with a planned vaginal birth will be split into two groups: one receiving these mental interventions and one receiving standard care. Researchers will compare pelvic floor symptoms and mind-body coherence during labor to see if the techniques make a measurable difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mental toughness interventions including breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, focusing/concentration practices, and imagery
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these simple mental techniques could offer a drug-free way to reduce postpartum pelvic floor problems, potentially improving recovery and quality of life for many new mothers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage trial, and the effect on pelvic floor strength is uncertain. Results may not apply to all women, and the interventions require practice and adherence to be beneficial.
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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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62 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Finished
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Jun 2026
- 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 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Being primiparous * Being in the third trimester of pregnancy * Having no communication barriers * Being a pregnant woman with an expectation of vaginal delivery Exclusion Criteria: * Being multiparous * Having a diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy * Having a diagnosed pelvic floor dysfunction (Urinary Incontinence, Fecal Incontinence, or Pelvic Organ Prolapse) * Being under 18 years of age * Having a planned cesarean delivery Study Discontinuation Criteria: * Voluntary withdrawal from the study by the participant * Emergency cesarean delivery decision * Impairment of mental functions during the intrapartum or postpartum period
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ankara Bilkent Şehir Hastanesi
Ankara, Ankara, 06800, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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