Psychoprophylaxis in Midtrimester Abortions

Since controlled breathing and relaxation exercises had proven to be helpful to women laboring at full term, it seemed that these techniques could be extended to women experiencing midtrimester abortions. A modified from of the Lamaze method of Psychoprophylaxis was taught to 15 midtrimester abortion patients. By using a questionnaire designed to elicit responses about the quality of nursing care received, their perceptions of nursing care were compared with those of a group of 15 midtrimester abortion patients who received only the routine nursing care. The group using breathing and relaxation exercises reported a significantly more positive experience.