Labor rehearsal: simulating birth emergencies to ease anxiety

NCT ID NCT03654079

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether simulating common stressful events during labor—like a drop in baby's heart rate or an emergency C-section—can reduce fear and anxiety in first-time pregnant women. Fifty women in their third trimester will practice these scenarios and then report their childbirth experience. The goal is to see if knowing what to expect improves satisfaction and reduces negative feelings.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: simulation of labor events
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give hospitals a simple, low-cost way to help first-time mothers feel less anxious and more prepared for childbirth.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 50 participants. The simulations may not reflect real labor, and results may not apply to all women or hospitals.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pregnancy disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PREGNANCY RELATED

Contacts and locations

Locations

Wake Forest Baptist Health Downtown Health Plaza

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27103, United States

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