This study examined the effect of affirmation-based podcast training on fear of childbirth and ruminative thoughts among pregnant women. A randomized controlled design was used, and the study sample consisted of 120 pregnant women (60 in the intervention group and 60 in the control group) who applied to a Family Health Center in Istanbul between February and April 2025. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Pregnant Woman Information Form, the Visual Analog Score, the Fear of Childbirth Scale, and the Positive-Negative Rumination Score. The intervention group listened to affirmation-based podcast recordings for 21 days, while no intervention was applied to the control group. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of podcast training on fear of childbirth and ruminative thoughts.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
İnclusion Criteria:
Pregnant women Aged 18-45 years Turkish citizens Having a fear of childbirth score ≥5 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Having access to a device to listen to the podcast and download audio files Willing to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
History of abortion or miscarriage Currently undergoing or previously underwent in vitro fertilization (İVF) treatment Presence of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension) Presence of psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depression, psychosis) İnability to complete the intervention or follow-up assessments
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Childbirth Fear Scale
Timeframe: Baseline and 21 days post-intervention.