The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the postpartum depression risk and general comfort levels in primiparas.

In the postpartum period, mode of delivery, planned pregnancy, rapid changes in estrogen and progesterone hormone concentrations, quality of care, and environmental conditions affect the postpartum depression and comfort of the women. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on the postpartum depression risk and general comfort levels in primiparas. A quasi-experimental design was used with pretest, post-test, and control group. The intervention and control groups consisted of 35 women each. PMR was applied to intervention group for 8 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale pretest and third follow-up scores of the intervention group (p < .05). There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean General Comfort Questionnaire scores at the first, second, and third follow-ups (p < .05). PMR may be effective on decreasing the postpartum depression risk and increasing general comfort. PMR could be administered through home visits to help women in postpartum period cope with their mental health problems after discharge.