Table 3

Characteristics of studies included to date

Trial acronym
Registration number
BirthCourseMy BirthCourse
Planned sample size400 first-time mothers276 first-time mothers
Country/State of recruitmentNSW, Australia (UNDA)SA, Australia (UniSA)
InterventionProgramme includes education on physiology, and five CM techniques: acupressure, massage, yoga, visualisation, breathing techniques. Plus usual care.Programme includes education on physiology, and five CM techniques: acupressure, massage, yoga, visualisation, breathing techniques. Plus usual care.
ComparatorUsual careUsual care
Gestational age at inclusion24–36+6 weeks’ gestation24–36+6 weeks’ gestation
Risk statusMixed riskLow and moderate risk
Duration of trial2 days, or 4 sessions
(4 modules, each 2.5 hours)
2 days, or 4 sessions
(4 modules, each 2.5 hours)
Duration of follow-up6 weeks post partum6 weeks post partum
Primary outcomeCaesarean sectionEpidural analgesia
Caesarean section outcome includedYesYes
Qualitative studyIncludedNot included
FundingNHMRC ECR FellowshipUniSA grant
Registry trial numberANZCTR 12619000830190ANZCTR 12618001353280
  • CM, complementary medicine; NSW, New South Wales.