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"Women receiving prenatal hypnosis had significantly better outcomes than women who did not.  Further assessment suggested that hypnosis worked by preventing negative emotional factors from leading t a complicated birth outcome.  The routine prenatal use of hypnosis could improve obstetric outcome.

"Labor length and analgesic use have been reported to be decreased when hypnosis is den during pregnancy (Harmon, Hynan, & Tyre, 1990).  Anxiety about and during birth is decreased (Mairs, 1995).  The incidence if postpartum depression is lessened (McCarthy, 1998; Harmon et al., 1990).  Increased self-confidence, increased calmness during labor, and easier transition into breast feeding have been described (Sauer & Oster, 1997).  Decreased pain sensation has been reported (Dillenburger & Keenan, 1996; Barber, 1996; Oster, 1994; D'Eon, 1989; South, 1988; Mairs, 1995).  Reductions have occurred in the number of complicated births (Rossi & Cheek, 1988; Schauble, Werner, Rai, & Martin 1998).  Babies born have had higher Apgar scores (Harmon et al., 1990).  Hypnosis subjects experienced greater belonging and security during labor, were less afraid of birth, and perceived birth more as a positive event (Tiba, Frater, Balogh, & Bognarne-Varfalvi, 1985).  Hypnosis helped women to be more relaxed during labor and birth, reduced hyperventilation, and increased feelings  participation and mastery (Wormnes, 1984).  A psychosocial intervention program that included hypnosis reduced the number f cesarean deliveries and oxytocin augmentation or inductions (Mehl, Donovan, & Peterson, 1990).  Among anxious parturients, fetuses moved into a more active state when maternal relaxation was achieved with hypnotherapy (Zimmer, Peretz, Eyal, & Fuchs, 1998)."

"Results revealed a significant Time by Groups interaction for the hypnosis intervention, with individuals who played the self-hypnosis audiotapes 'at least 3 to 5 times a week' at 7-week follow-up reporting the highest levels of self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the minimal-practice and control groups.  The results suggest that hypnosis can be a useful adjunct in helping chronic substance abuse individuals with their reported self-esteem, serenity, and anger/impulsivity."

"We conclude that hypnosis is a mind-body intervention that may be of significant benefit in treatment of hot flashes and other benefits may include reduced anxiety and improved sleep.  Further, hypnosis may be a preferred treatment because of the few side-effects and the preference of many women for a non-hormonal therapy."

More research will be cited here soon.  Please be sure to check this page again.