A Hypnotic Relaxation Technique for the Treatment of Premature Labor

Abstract

A hypnotic-relaxation technique for the treatment of premature labor is described. The technique includes a relaxation induction, suggestions for relaxation of the uterus, a time progression designed for increasing the patients' motivation towards pregnancy continuation, a finger-questioning procedure designed to create a sense of optimism and commitment towards the therapeutic goal, and anecdotes embodying indirect suggestions for a successful full-term pregnancy. This technique was shown to be effective with a group of 39 women hospitalized for premature labor. Possible alternative explanations of the treatment effect, in terms of sampling bias or of a spontaneous decrease in the incidence of premature deliveries, were ruled out.