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Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.01 / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30i1.456
Contributions of hypnobirthing to the woman´s experience:
Scoping Review
Helena Isabel Frois Rodrigues1*, Maria João Freitas2
1 Licenciatura. Unidade Local de Saúde de Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal; orcid.org/0009-0004-9565-0520
2 Doutoramento. Departamento Enfermagem de Saúde Materna e Obstétrica, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa (ESEL), Lisboa; Centro
de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem de Lisboa (CIDNUR), Lisboa, Portugal; orcid.org/0000-0003-3248-2326
* Corresponding author: rodriguesh@campus.esel.pt
Received: 04.11.2025
Accepted: 25.01.2026
Editor: Florinda Galinha
How to cite this article: Rodrigues H, Freitas MJ. Contributions of hypnobirthing to the woman´s experience: Scoping Review. Pensar Enf [Internet]. 2026
Jan-Dec; 30(1): e00456. Available from: https://doi.org/10.71861/pensarenf.v30i1.456
Abstract
Introduction
A variety of strategies are currently offered to women for pain relief and comfort, supporting a positive
childbirth experience.1 These strategies are also recommended by the World Health Organization, with
women’s preferences always respected.2 Hypnobirthing is one such strategy; however, it remains underused
and not widely promoted, underscoring the importance of understanding its reported contributions to women’s
childbirth experience.
Objective
To map the available evidence on the reported contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s childbirth
experience.
Methods
Scoping review conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.3 Searches were carried out in
six databases: MEDLINE Ultimate, CINAHL Ultimate, MedicLatina, Web of Science, and the Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews (via the EBSCOhost platform), plus PubMed, to address the review question:
“What are the reported contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s childbirth experience?” The Population–
Concept–Context (PCC) framework defined Population as “women” and Concept as “hypnobirthing”; no
context restrictions were applied. Eligible sources included primary studies with quantitative, qualitative, or
mixed-methods designs, as well as secondary sources (systematic reviews), published in Portuguese, English,
or Spanish. Extracted data were analyzed using content analysis and grouped into categories.
Results
A total of 604 records were identified. After removing 272 duplicates, 287 records were excluded during title
and abstract screening, leaving 45 for full-text assessment. At the end of the process, 25 studies were included.
Eight subcategories of reported contributions of hypnobirthing emerged: reduced pain, reduced fear, increased
relaxation, shorter labor duration, a more positive childbirth experience, greater ability to regulate emotions,
postpartum well-being, and active partner involvement. Reduced labor pain was the most frequently cited
contribution associated with hypnobirthing.
Conclusion
This scoping review identified several reported contributions associated with hypnobirthing. Pain relief
warrants particular attention; although it remains controversial and requires further studies providing higher-
level evidence, it may serve as a valuable resource for labor pain management, potentially supporting a positive
childbirth experience.
Keywords
Labor Pain; Hypnosis; Women; Childbirth.
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Introduction
Pain during labor shapes how women perceive their childbirth experience. As medicine has advanced over the
years, pharmacological pain relief techniques have been developed, making childbirth increasingly medicalized
and institutionalized. However, nonpharmacological strategies for labor pain relief have increasingly been used
and studied, with evidence supporting their effectiveness.1 In this regard, the World Health Organization
(WHO) recommends relaxation, breathing techniques, music, among other approaches, for pain relief, while
always taking women’s preferences into account.2
A variety of these strategies are offered to women to enhance comfort and support a positive childbirth
experience, including hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing adapts hypnosis to pregnancy and childbirth.4,5 It uses
relaxation, meditation, breathing techniques, positive affirmations, and hypnotherapy to help make childbirth
as comfortable and pain-free as possible, reframing it away from the negative connotations it is often given.4 It
also helps women follow their body’s instincts, facilitating labor 6,7, and promoting a positive experience.
The WHO 2 states that a positive childbirth experience is a common goal for all women and defines it as an
experience that meets or exceeds women’s expectations, whether social, personal, or cultural; it also includes
the birth of a healthy baby in a safe environment, with the woman accompanied by significant others and
supported by skilled professionals able to assist her.
Hypnobirthing prepares women both physically and mentally for childbirth, so it is as pain free as possible and
without fear.8 Fear can be detrimental to labor by increasing stress, inhibiting oxytocin release, and hindering
labor progression. The mind is a key ally in this process and should therefore be engaged. Positive affirmations,
that is, positive reinforcement, are highly effective and represent one of the pillars of hypnobirthing.4 Thus,
using hypnosis during childbirth promotes relaxation, leading to dissociation from pain and shifts in perception,
such as understanding contractions as bringing the baby closer rather than as intense, disabling pain.9
For hypnobirthing, women may be guided by a professional trained in the technique during labor, or they may
learn the technique during pregnancy for later use during childbirth.9
To identify existing knowledge on this strategy and its contribution to women’s childbirth experience, a
preliminary search was conducted in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and JBI Evidence Synthesis,
and no systematic reviews on the topic were identified in the past five years. Thus, the objective of this scoping
review was to map the available evidence on the reported contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s childbirth
experience.
Methods
This scoping review followed JBI methodology for scoping reviews.3 The review was conducted in accordance
with a protocol developed a priori and registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/sw3ue). The
Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework guided the review question: “What are the reported
contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s childbirth experience?” Population: women; Concept:
hypnobirthing; Context: not restricted. The search strategy was carried out in two phases.
In the first phase, an initial limited search was conducted in MEDLINE Ultimate and CINAHL Ultimate via
the EBSCOhost platform to identify papers on the topic. Titles and abstracts from the retrieved records were
used to identify relevant text words and indexed terms related to hypnobirthing and its reported contributions
to women’s childbirth experience. Terms such as hypnobirthing, women, labor, and childbirth informed a
comprehensive search strategy. In the second phase, the full search strategy using both text words and indexed
terms—was adapted to the six databases selected for this review: MEDLINE Ultimate, CINAHL Ultimate,
MedicLatina, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (via EBSCOhost), as well as
PubMed, as shown in Table 1.
A grey literature search was also conducted. Regarding eligibility criteria, we included primary studies with
qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods designs and secondary sources (literature reviews, including reviews
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with metaanalysis or metasynthesis), published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with no time restrictions.
The search was conducted on July 21, 2025.
Table 1 - Search strings by database
Database
Search string
CINAL Ultimate
(wom?n OR MM women) AND (hypno* OR hypnobirthing OR (MM "hypnosis")) AND
(labor OR Childbirth OR delivery OR (MM "labor") OR (MM "childbirth") OR (MM
"Delivery, Obstetric+"))
MEDLINE Ultimate
(women OR wom?n ) AND (hypno* OR hypnobirthing OR (MM hypnosis)) AND (labor
OR childbirth OR delivery OR (MM "labor, obstetric") OR (MM "parturition") OR (MM
"Delivery, Obstetric+"))
MedicLatina
(Women) AND (hypnobirthing OR hypnosis) AND (labor OR childbirth OR delivery)
Web of Science
(Women) AND (hypnosis OR hypnobirthing) AND (labor OR childbirth OR delivery)
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
(women) AND (hypnobirthing OR hypnosis) AND (labor OR childbirth OR delivery)
PUBMED
(women) AND (hypnosis OR hypnobirthing) AND (labor OR childbirth OR delivery)
After retrieval, records were imported into Rayyan ®, and duplicates were removed. Two reviewers assessed
records against the eligibility criteria and the review question; disagreements were resolved through discussion.
Potentially relevant studies were retrieved in full text, and studies that did not meet the eligibility criteria were
excluded.
Results
The database search yielded 604 records (MEDLINE: 208; CINAHL: 115; PubMed: 143; MedicLatina: 1; Web
of Science: 125; Cochrane Database: 12). After removing 272 duplicates, 287 records were excluded during title
and abstract screening, leaving 45 for full-text review and eligibility assessment. Eighteen records were excluded
at this stage because they did not address hypnobirthing, did not answer the review question or objectives, or
combined hypnobirthing with other techniques. In the end, 24 articles from the database searches and 1 grey
literature source were included. The PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 1) shows the study selection process.
Figure 1 - PRISMA flow diagram.
Data extracted from the included studies were recorded in Table 1, which presents study characteristics
(authors, year, title, country, method) and the main findings addressing the review question. The extracted data
were then analyzed using content analysis and categorized.
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Table 2 - Data extraction table.
A1.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Atis & Rathfisch (2018)
Title
The effect of hypnobirthing training given in the antenatal period on birth pain and fear.
Study method
Experimental study—RCT
Country
Turkey
Participants
Pregnant women between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation who attended a hypnobirthing program
for childbirth preparation
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
Childbirth experience
Reduced labor pain in 100% of the sample;
Reduced fear of childbirth;
Increased relaxation;
Shorter second stage of labor.
A2.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Azizmohammadi & Azizmohammadi (2019)
Title
Hypnotherapy in management of delivery pain: a review.
Study method
Literature review
Country
Iran
Participants
Women who used hypnosis as a method to reduce labor pain
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Current evidence is insufficient to conclude that hypnosis
reduces labor pain.
A3.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Catsaros & Wendland (2020)
Title
Hypnosis-based interventions during pregnancy and childbirth and their impact on women's
childbirth experience: A systematic review.
Study method
Systematic review
Country
France
Participants
Women who used hypnosis during pregnancy and childbirth
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Improved women’s childbirth experience through positive shifts in emotions and perceptions
related to birth, described as a sense of pleasure and harmony;
Reduced fear of childbirth;
Reduced labor pain, with pain described as pressure only;
Improved postpartum well-being;
Empowered women, increasing confidence during childbirth and improving ability to regulate
emotions.
A4.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Bülez et al (2020)
Title
A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess Hypnobirthing Educational Intervention on Labor Pain
and Fear of Childbirth—The Case of Eskisehir/Turkey.
Study method
Quasi-experimental study
Country
Turkey
Participants
Pregnant women who attended a 6-week hypnobirthing program with 2.5-hour sessions per week
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced pain in 96% of the sample;
80% of the sample stated that the technique helped them relax.
A5.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Uludag & Mete (2020)
Title
The effect of nursing care provided based on the philosophy of hypnobirthing on fear, pain,
duration, satisfaction and cost of labor: a single-blind randomized controlled study: The effect of
nursing care on the labor process and cost.
Study method
Randomized controlled trial (single-blind)
Country
Turkey
Participants
Pregnant women attending a hypnobirthing program
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced fear of childbirth and labor pain in the experimental group;
Shorter second stage of labor;
Greater satisfaction with labor.
A6.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Catsaros & Wendland (2023)
Title
Psychological impact of hypnosis for pregnancy and childbirth: A systematic review.
Study method
Systematic review
Country
France
Participants
Pregnant women or women in labor who used hypnosis
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Supported positive experiences through increased confidence, relaxation, and empowerment to
adapt to the situation.
A7.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Uldal et al. (2023)
Title
Women's experiences with hypnobirth - A qualitative study.
Study method
Qualitative study
Country
Norway
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Participants
Women who used hypnobirthing
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Staying focused during childbirth;
Ability to manage pain;
Understanding events during labor, promoting a positive experience regardless of whether it
unfolded as planned;
Active partner involvement during labor through strategies taught in the hypnobirthing program.
A8.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Uludag & Mete (2023)
Title
Feelings and Experiences of Turkish Women Using Hypnobirthing in Childbirth: A Non-
Traumatic Childbirth Experience.
Study method
Qualitative study
Country
Turkey
Participants
Women who used hypnobirthing during childbirth
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced fear of childbirth through breathing exercises
A9.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Safitri et al. (2023)
Title
The Effect of Hypnobirthing Relaxation Method on Pain Intensity in Labor Women at Pratama
Hadijah Clinic, Medan Perjuangan District Medan City.
Study method
Quasi-experimental study
Country
Indonesia
Participants
Women who participated in hypnobirthing training
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced pain intensity in the group that used the technique
A10.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Paramasivam et al. (2023)
Title
Perspective of Primigravida Mother's Experience in Their Birthing Process Utilising
HypnoBirthing.
Study method
Qualitative study
Country
Malaysia
Participants
Women who used hypnobirthing
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced pain, described as being transformed into discomfort;
Partners’ presence helped women use hypnobirthing, increasing self-confidence and sense of
control;
Greater confidence helped women better cope with childbirth.
A11
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Fernández-Gamero et al. (2024)
Title
Impact of Hypnotherapy on Fear, Pain, and the Birth Experience: A Systematic Review.
Study method
Systematic review
Country
Spain
Participants
Women who used hypnotherapy techniques for childbirth preparation
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced labor pain;
Improved childbirth experience by helping women overcome previous trauma, with primiparous
women rating the experience as positive.
A12.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Phillips-Moore (2012)
Title
Birthing outcomes from an Australian HypnoBirthing programme.
Study method
Qualitative study
Country
Australia
Participants
Women who participated in a hypnobirthing program during pregnancy to prepare for childbirth
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced labor pain and discomfort during labor;
Shorter labor: primiparous and multiparous women had shorter first and second stages of labor
compared with the general population;
Participants reported feeling calmer, more confident, and more relaxed.
A13.
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Buran & Aksu (2022)
Title
Effect of Hypnobirthing Training on Fear, Pain, Satisfaction Related to Birth, and Birth
Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Study method
Randomized controlled trial
Country
Turkey
Participants
Women who attended a hypnobirthing program during pregnancy to prepare for labor
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
A significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups, with reduced
fear of childbirth in the experimental group;
VAS pain scores differed significantly between groups across all phases of labor, with women in
the experimental group reporting lower pain levels;
Satisfaction with childbirth differed significantly between groups: 93.5% of women in the
experimental group reported high satisfaction compared with 13% in the control group.
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A14
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Kamalimanesh et al. (2025)
Title
Effect of self-hypnosis on fear and pain of natural childbirth: a randomized controlled trial
Study method
Randomized controlled trial
Country
Iran
Participants
Women who participated in a hypnosis program during pregnancy for use during labor
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Reduced labor pain
A15
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Abbasi et al. (2009)
Title
The Effect of Hypnosis on Pain Relief During Labor and Childbirth in Iranian Pregnant Women
Study method
Quasi-experimental study
Country
Iran
Participants
Pregnant women who completed self-hypnosis sessions and guided meditation for use during
labor
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
All women reported reduced labor pain, and four stated that the pain was transformed into
pressure.
A16
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Lai et al. (2024)
Title
The effect of antenatal hypnosis training on pharmacological analgesia use
during labour and birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Study method
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Country
Australia
Participants
Women who received hypnosis instruction as part of childbirth preparation
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
No difference was found in pharmacological analgesia use between women who received
hypnosis-based preparation and those who prepared without hypnosis; therefore, no reduction in
labor pain was observed.
A17
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
A. M. Cyna et al. (2006)
Title
Antenatal self-hypnosis for labour and childbirth: A pilot study
Study method
Quantitative observational descriptive-analytic study
Country
Australia
Participants
Pregnant women who learned self-hypnosis techniques as part of childbirth preparation
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Primiparous women had a lower rate of pharmacological analgesia use, but further research was
recommended.
A18
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
A. Cyna et al. (2013)
Title
Hypnosis antenatal training for childbirth: a randomised controlled trial
Study method
Randomized controlled trial
Country
Australia
Participants
Pregnant women over 34 weeks of gestation who attended three childbirth preparation sessions
using hypnosis techniques
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
No differences were found between the experimental and control groups in labor pain reduction
or analgesia use.
A19
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Finlayson et al. (2015)
Title
Unexpected consequences: women’s experiences of a self-hypnosis intervention to help with pain
relief during labour
Study method
Experimental study
Country
United Kingdom
Participants
Women who participated in an antenatal self-hypnosis training program
Reported ontributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Positive experience;
Empowerment;
Greater calmness and confidence.
A20
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Werner, Uldbjerg, Zachariae, & Nohr (2013)
Title
Effect of self-hypnosis on duration of labor and maternal and neonatal outcomes: a randomized
controlled trial.
Study method
Randomized controlled trial
Country
Denmark
Participants
Primiparous women who received antenatal preparation with self-hypnosis
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
No difference was found between groups in labor duration.
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A21
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Werner, Uldbjerg, Zachariae, Wu, et al. (2013)
Title
Antenatal Hypnosis Training and Childbirth Experience: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Study method
Randomized controlled trial
Country
Denmark
Participants
Pregnant women who completed antenatal preparation with hypnosis techniques
Reportedcontributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Women who used hypnosis during labor reported a better childbirth experience.
A22
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Yaqoob et al. (2024)
Title
Hypnobirthing Training for First-Time Mothers: Pain, Anxiety and Postpartum Wellbeing
Study method
Experimental study
Country
Pakistan
Participants
Pregnant women at 33 weeks of gestation who received hypnobirthing-based childbirth
preparation
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Significant labor pain relief, with reduced anxiety and fear of childbirth;
Lower risk of postpartum depression among postpartum women.
A23
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Beevi et al. (2017)
Title
The Effectiveness of Hypnosis Intervention for Labor: An Experimental Study
Study method
Quasi-experimental
Country
Malaysia
Participants
Pregnant women who attended a four-session hypnosis and self-hypnosis program
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Differences between the experimental and control groups in second-stage labor duration were
not significant, but women in the experimental group had a shorter second stage than those in
the control group.
A24
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Madden et al. (2016b)
Title
Hypnosis for pain management during labour and childbirth
Study method
Literature review
Country
Australia
Participants
Pregnant women
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
No clear differences were found between women who used hypnosis and those who did not in
satisfaction with pain relief.
A25
Details and characteristics of extracted articles
Authors and year
Çağanay (2021)
Title
Hypnosis: How effective is it in reducing perceptions of pain and fear of birth in pregnant
women?
Study method
Quantitative study
Country
Turkey
Participants
Pregnant women between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation who received childbirth preparation
using hypnosis.
Reported contributions of
hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience
Significant reductions in both perceived labor pain and fear of childbirth
The included studies were published in international journals and were conducted in Spain (n = 1), Turkey (n
= 6), Malaysia (n = 2), Iran (n = 3), France (n = 2), Norway (n = 1), Indonesia (n= 1), Denmark (n = 2),
Australia (n = 5), the United Kingdom (n = 1), and Pakistan (n = 1). Primary studies accounted for 76% of the
sample (qualitative, quantitative, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs), whereas secondary studies (e.g.,
literature reviews) represented 24%. Content analysis of the 25 studies included in this review identified eight
subcategories under the category “Reported contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s childbirth experience,”
as shown in Table 2, which also lists the studies that reported each contribution.
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Table 2 - Summary of results.
Reported contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s childbirth experience
Study/article
Contribution subcategories
Reduced labor pain
Reduced fear of childbirth
Increased relaxation
Shorter labor duration
A more positive childbirth experience
Greater postpartum well-being
Greater confidence and improved ability to regulate emotions
Active partner involvement
Hypnobirthing’s contribution to labor pain management and relief was noted in 56% of the studies (N = 14).
8,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,22 Approximately 28% of the studies (N = 7) cited effects of this nonpharmacologic
strategy on reducing fear of childbirth 8,11,12,14,21,22 and increasing relaxation.11,13,18,23 A shorter labor duration
associated with hypnobirthing was present in 16% of the studies (N = 4).12,17,23,25–27 Several studies (N = 6; F=
24%) observed that the strategy supported a more positive childbirth experience. 12,16,18,25 It was also reported
to support greater postpartum well-being (N = 2; F = 8%) 12,21 and improved emotional regulation (N = 4; F=
16%).12,16,18,25 Only one study (4%) identified active partner involvement as a contribution associated with
hypnobirthing.16
Discussion
The use of nonpharmacologic strategies for labor pain relief as a contribution to women’s positive childbirth
experience has increasingly drawn interest from professionals in the field.1 Hypnobirthing, the technique
examined in this review, also showed contributions to women’s childbirth experience.
Reduced labor pain among women who used hypnobirthing was the most frequently reported contribution.
This finding appears in the experimental studies8,11,14,19 and the quasi-experimental studies 13,15,20 included in the
review. In this regard, Atis and Rathfisch 11 described that reduced pain was identified as a positive effect by
the entire sample, and Bülez et al. 13 concluded that 96% of the sample stated hypnobirthing was completely
effective in relieving labor pain. Similar findings were identified by Safitri et al. 15, Uludag & Mete 14, and Buran
& Aksu 8: groups who used hypnobirthing observed reduced pain and better pain management than groups
who did not. Other studies also identified reduced pain associated with hypnobirthing, but described it as pain
being transformed into discomfort or pressure only.12,16,20 The qualitative studies18,22 align with these findings,
showing that women who used hypnobirthing described reduced pain. However, the literature review by
Fernández-Gamero et al. 17 concluded that pain relief associated with hypnobirthing remains controversial.
Classifying the childbirth experience as better or more positive was another commonly cited contribution of
hypnobirthing. Catsaros and Wendland 12 described that women who used hypnobirthing reported a better
childbirth experience due to positive shifts in emotions and perceptions related to the moment of their baby’s
birth, alongside feelings of pleasure and harmony, with reduced anxiety and increased satisfaction. Werner et
al. 29 found similar results; in that study, a better childbirth experience was linked to pain and fear management
and greater confidence, as these parameters are part of the instrument used to assess childbirth experience.
Uldal et al. 28 also found that women rated their experience as more positive, achieved through the sense of
safety and confidence developed from the knowledge they gained about childbirth through hypnobirthing. In
addition, these women described a shift in how they viewed childbirth, resulting in a better experience and
greater focus on the emotional aspects of childbirth rather than labor outcomes. These elements, addressed
through hypnobirthing techniques, were associated with an improved childbirth experience. In the study by
Finlayson et al. 25, women reported a positive experience, as did Catsaros and Wendland 27; however, they
indicated that, for childbirth to be classified as positive, beyond the confidence and empowerment gained
through hypnobirthing, the relaxation the strategy provides is also important. Some multiparous women who
used hypnobirthing described a better childbirth experience because it helped them work through trauma from
previous births. By contrast, nulliparous women described the experience as positive with hypnobirthing but
had no previous births for comparison 17, raising the question of whether rating the experience as better or
positive is influenced by having prior birth experiences. This issue may be less consequential, as Buran and
Aksu8 found a statistically significant difference in satisfaction with childbirth: 93.5% of women in the
experimental group (who used hypnobirthing) indicated high satisfaction, whereas only 13% of women in the
control group cited a similar experience. Thus, hypnobirthing’s contributions appear to extend beyond
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childbirth itself, supporting continued postpartum well-being, with reduced depression 21 and increased self-
confidence.12
Reducing fear of childbirth is another contribution identified by women who used hypnobirthing. This fear is
often linked to concern about experiencing pain or uncertainty about what will happen during labor. In this
regard, Grave 4 notes that hypnobirthing empowers women by providing knowledge about uterine function,
muscle fibers, and the physiological mechanisms of childbirth helping prevent uncertainty from triggering fear
and, in turn, stressand emphasizes that the mind and what it holds can influence labor. Some experimental
studies 11,14,21 found lower levels of fear among women who received hypnobirthing. In addition, Finlayson et
al. 25 observed that women described empowerment as an outcome of the strategy, culminating in greater
calmness and confidence. Catsaros & Wendland 12 observed similar findings, describing reduced childbirth
related fear because women remained calm in situations that would otherwise provoke fear. This contribution
appears consistent across the evidence base, as Çağanay 22 also found a significant reduction in fear of childbirth.
Relaxation, strongly emphasized and taught in hypnobirthing, can be achieved through breathing exercises
learned and then practiced.23 Partners also cited this contribution.11 In the study by Phillips-Moore 18, women
expressed that the technique helped them feel more relaxed.
Relaxation was cited by 100% of the sample in Atis & Rathfisch 11 and by 80% in Bülez et al. 13. These findings
highlight hypnobirthing’s contribution to helping women experience labor with less stress and stay focused on
emotional regulation.
Emotional regulation also emerged as a contribution associated with hypnobirthing, closely tied to greater
confidence. Catsaros & Wendland12 and Finlayson et al.25 described empowerment gained through
hypnobirthing training as supporting a stronger sense of control and confidence during childbirth18.
Paramasivam et al.16 similarly stated that the strategy helped women feel more confident and better able to
regulate their emotions. Active partner involvement was identified only by Paramasivam et al.16. It was
described as the partner’s support in applying the technique such as guiding breathing and relaxation exercises
which strengthened confidence and, in turn, supported emotional regulation.
Findings on labor duration were mixed, and not all studies pointed to a shorter second stage of labor. Atis &
Rathfisch11 concluded that the second stage was shorter in women who received the hypnobirthing intervention
than in the control group, with a statistically significant between-group difference of 10 minutes. Uludag &
Mete 14 also found a significant between-group difference, with a shorter second stage in the intervention group.
Beevi et al. 24 did not observe a statistically significant difference but still reported a between-group difference
in second-stage duration. Phillips-Moore18 described shorter labor among both primiparous and multiparous
women, with shorter first- and second-stage duration compared with the general population. In contrast,
Werner, Uldbjerg, Zachariae & Nohr 29 found no between-group differences in labor duration; however, their
sample included only nulliparous women, which may help explain this finding.
Conclusion
This scoping review mapped and described multiple reported contributions of hypnobirthing to women’s
childbirth experience. Although pain relief associated with hypnobirthing remains controversial and more
robust evidence is needed, it was the most frequently cited contribution across the studies included in this
scoping review. Therefore, hypnobirthing may be a valuable resource for managing labor pain. Women who
used this strategy also described increased relaxation, reduced fear of childbirth, and greater confidence,
supporting emotional regulation and a more positive childbirth experience. A shorter labor duration was also
noted. In addition, active partner involvement and postpartum well-being were cited as contributions. These
findings support a deeper understanding of hypnobirthing and recognition of its potential benefits for women’s
childbirth experience. However, health professionals should have in-depth knowledge of the techniques that
comprise this strategy and should facilitate and promote their appropriate use so women can have a positive
childbirth experience.
Study limitations
This scoping review has some limitations. Despite developing a priori protocol and conducting an extensive
search, relevant studies may have been missed because of language restrictions. In addition, the inability to
access full-text articles for some studies may have led to the exclusion of potentially relevant articles.
Review Article
10
Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.01 / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30i1.456
Authorship and Contributions
HR: Study conception and design; Data collection; Data analysis and interpretation; Manuscript writing;
Approval of the final version of the manuscript and assumption of responsibility for it.
MJF: Study conception and design; Data analysis and interpretation; Critical review of the manuscript; Approval
of the final version of the manuscript and assumption of responsibility for it.
Conflicts of interest and Funding
No conflicts of interest were declared by the authors.
Sources of support / Financing
This study was not funded.
Data availability statement
Non-applicable data sharing.
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