Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise verses Guided Imagery on Anxiety and Stress in Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Randomized Trial

Introduction: Parenthood has an impact on stress, anxiety, and mood during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Mood swings are common in the first and third trimesters, mood swings are more common due to hormonal changes. Pregnant women's stress levels rise in the third trimester. Stress should be handled to reduce potential dangers. This study is an attempt to compare the effectiveness of Guided imagery and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on anxiety and stress in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. The study was designed to compare the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercise with guided imagery on anxiety and stress in the third trimester of pregnancy. Atotal of 50 pregnant females were recruited (25 in each group). The outcome measures used were blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, the Beck inventory anxiety scale, and perceived stress score scale. Results: The control and intervention groups were comparable at baseline. Significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. Results indicated that both the diaphragmatic breathing exercise and guided imagery applied by pregnant women for five weeks; it had positive effects on physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate with their levels being significantly reduced. Conclusion: There is significant difference between the diaphragmatic breathing exercise group and the guided imagery group in effective management of anxiety and stress in the third trimester of pregnancy.