Influence of Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique among Primipara Women with Postpartum Blues

In the first few days after delivery, mothers can present symptomatology of postpartum blues (PPB): fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings. Depression during the PPB is accountable for 80% of all postpartum depression. Women commonly report an increase in fatigue during postpartum which may contribute to depression.

To find the influence of Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique (JPMRT) among primipara women with postpartum blues. To assess the pre-test and post-test measures with Blue's Questionnaire (BQ) and Vertical Numerical Fatigue Rating Scale (NFRS) among primipara women screened for postpartum blues and to assess the difference between pre-test and post-test values of BQ and Vertical NFRS resulting out of JPMRT

A total of 54 primipara women who delivered normally within the age group of 20–30 years, were selected and pre-test assessment was done using both the outcome measures and Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique was incorporated for 2 weeks. The later post-test assessment was done to find if any significant difference was seen.

A total of 54 primipara mothers within age groups of 20–25 years (22.27 ± 1.78) & 25–30 years (27.30 ± 1.26) participated in the study. Statistically, this study shows that there was a considerable change in the outcome measures used, with significant difference seen in the postpartum blues (p-value <0.0001) and fatigue levels (p-value <0.0001).

As per the results of this study, we conclude that, Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique was significantly effective in reducing postpartum blues.