The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Fetal Anxiety and Coping With Prenatal Stress

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on coping with fetal anxiety and prenatal stress during pregnancy. Methods: This randomized controlled study was carried out at a family health center in eastern Turkey. The study sample consisted of 106 pregnant women (experimental group, 54; control group, 54). Those in the experimental group received diaphragmatic breathing exercises five times in two weeks, one time via face-to-face session and 4 times twice a week via video call. Those in the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Revised-Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) and the Fetal Health Anxiety Inventory (FHAI).