Empowering Primigravida Women Through Slow Deep Breathing Education for Preoperative Anxiety Self-Management Before Cesarean Delivery

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is common among primigravida women preparing for cesarean delivery, particularly when they have no previous childbirth or surgical experience. Slow Deep Breathing is a simple non-pharmacological relaxation technique that may support anxiety self-management.
Objectives: This program aimed to strengthen primigravida women’s ability to perform Slow Deep Breathing independently and to describe changes in anxiety-related manifestations before cesarean delivery.
Methods: The activity involved two primigravida women with cephalopelvic disproportion who experienced anxiety related to their first cesarean delivery. The intervention was conducted for three consecutive days and included anxiety assessment, creation of a calm environment, written education using a leaflet, explanation, demonstration, guided practice, independent repetition, and evaluation.
Results: Both participants initially reported fear and worry and showed restlessness, tension, sleep disturbance, tremor, and elevated blood pressure. At the final evaluation, both participants appeared more relaxed and calm, were able to repeat the breathing technique independently, and showed improvement in anxiety-related manifestations. Blood pressure decreased from 150/90 to 133/80 mmHg in Participant 1 and from 155/91 to 127/84 mmHg in Participant 2. Interpretation remains cautious because the participant number was limited.
Conclusions: Slow Deep Breathing education supported anxiety self-management and may complement routine maternity nursing care before cesarean delivery.