Psychobiosocial Intervention in Threatened Premature Labor

A pilot study was conducted to investigate whether psychobiosocial
intervention could be a useful adjunct to medical management of premature labor. 44 women threatening
premature delivery (range of 20 to 34 weeks gestation) were referred by hospital clinicians. Nineteen of these
patients were hospitalized, 28 were on tocolytic medication, and 42 on total bedrest. Hypnosis was used with all
subjects; 77% also received body awareness techniques designed to decrease autonomic reactivity and muscle
tension. Average treatment was seven two-hour sessions over three weeks. Forty women (91%) progressed to
term; three who did not had twins and one patient, who was at 4 cm. dilation when diagnosed, received only
one hypnosis session. Common issues expressed during hypnosis, their impact on the pregnancy, and how
they were modified are discussed. The positive results of this study suggest that a randomized, controlled trial
of psychobiosocial interventions during premature labor is warranted. INTRODUCTION Preterm birth is the
primary cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the United States.1 The comprehensive report Preventing
Low Birthweight2 discusses the high human and economic costs of these births, and advocates reducing risk of
prematurity and low birthweight by recognizing the importance of health care system factors.