Efficacy of Relaxation Technique As A Prophylactic Method in Controlling Preeclampsia

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine and compare the effectiveness of Mitchell's simple physiological relaxation technique and oral calcium supplementation versus oral calcium supplementation only in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia in highly risk pregnant women. Fourty highly risk pregnant women at 16 weeks' gestation participated in this study. They were divided randomly into two groups (A and B) equal in numbers. Group "A" performed Mitchell's simple physiological relaxation technique and received oral calcium supplementation while, Group "B" received oral calcium supplementation only. Both groups were assessed by systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, pulse rate, respiratory rate and proteinuria before and every 4 weeks after receiving the prophylactic treatment till the end of 32 weeks' gestation. It was found that Mitchell's simple physiological relaxation technique and oral calcium supplementation were more effective as a prophylactic method for these cases where, the percentages of cases who developed gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in group "A" were (15%) compared to (35%) in group "B" as well"as, ther was a highly significant reduction in blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates more than oral calcium supplementation.