Biofeedback as an aid to childbirth

Summary. Self-controlled relaxation in childbirth is claimed to relieve pain and speed labour. A comparative study of two methods of relaxation training based on biofeedback techniques has shown that electromyographic (muscular) relaxation can readily be taught at antenatal classes, while skin-conductance (autonomic) relaxation cannot. The techniques were of some use in early labour but did not postpone the onset of severe pain nor help women to cope with painful uterine contractions. There were no differences in the outcome of labour between women using biofeedback and the women in the control groups.