Knowledge and Acceptance of Obstetric Hypnosis among Pregnant Women at Fe del Valle Ramos Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Hypnosis as a non-pharmacological therapy reduces the use of analgesics and provides a wide range of benefits. However, its acceptance and use among pregnant women remain limited due to low awareness of this technique, creating a significant gap between its potential and its perception.

Objective: To identify the level of knowledge about obstetric hypnosis among pregnant women at the Fe del Valle Ramos Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital, as well as their perceptions and willingness to use it.

Method: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to October 2025 at the Fe del Valle Ramos Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital in Granma. The non-probabilistic convenience sample consisted of 80 pregnant women.

Results: 62.5% (n=50) of the participants had no knowledge of hypnosis, and only 6.3% (n=5) demonstrated a high level of knowledge. The main source of information was the Internet/social media (60.0%, n=18). Perceived usefulness was marked by indifference in areas such as pain management (43.75%, n=35), while 56.3% (n=45) were neutral regarding its safety for the fetus. Willingness to use hypnosis was low (46.3%, n=37 would not try it during pregnancy and 45.0%, n=36 would not use it for labor pain), mainly due to lack of information (54.8%, n=40).

Conclusions: A null level of knowledge and neutral or erroneous perceptions about obstetric hypnosis were identified, along with low willingness to use it, attributed to misinformation.