Impact of hypnobirthing on labour and birth: a narrative review Section: Revisions How to quote González García R, Carvalho Da Silva MJ. Impacto del hipnoparto en el parto y nacimiento: revisión narrativa. Matronas Hoy 2025; 13(1):49-56. AuthorsRocío González García y María Joana Carvalho Da Silva Position Enfermera especialista en Obstetricia-Ginecología (Matrona). Hospital Materno Infantil de Málaga. Málaga (España) Contact email: joanacarvalhods@gmail.com Abstract Introduction: labour has been medicalized during the last decades, generating an increase in Caesarean sections and instrumental deliveries which has led to a search for alternative options. Hypnobirthing appears as an option to empower women through self-hypnosis, relaxation and active support, promoting a more positive childbirth. Objective: to examine the influence of hypnobirthing on the incidence of eutocic births, and to evaluate its effect on maternal satisfaction, perception of pain, and fear during labour. Method: a narrative review of literature on hypnobirthing, by analysing studies conducted during the past ten years in scientific databases such as PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus. Articles in Spanish and English were included, highlighting clinical trials and systematic reviews, and following the guidelines by CONSORT and PRISMA, in order to evaluate the maternal-fetal outcomes associated with hypnobirthing. Results: the studies reviewed suggested that hypnobirthing reduced the need for medical interventions, improved pain management, and caused a reduction in pain. Besides, a higher incidence of eutocic births was observed in those women practising this technique, as well as a higher satisfaction with their childbirth experience. Conclusion: hypnobirthing presents significant benefits for a respectful childbirth with fewer interventions, thus promoting a humanized approach. It is recommended to include it in programs of preparation for childbirth, as well as to conduct future research to validate its effects on different populations. Keywords: hypnobirthing; eutocic labour; preparation for labour; pain management; maternal satisfaction; midwives (DeCS/MeSH) Versión en Español Título: Impacto del hipnoparto en el parto y nacimiento: revisión narrativa Artículo completo no disponible en este idioma / Full article is not available in this language Bibliography [1] Braid J. Braid on hypnotism. The Beginnings of Modern Hypnosis [internet]. New York: The Julian Press; 1960. [citado 23 abr 2025]. Disponible en: https://ia801500.us.archive.org/22/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.187969/2015.187969.The-Beginings-Of-Modern-Hypnosis.pdf[2] Braid J. Neurypnology; or The rationale of nervous sleep, considered in relation with animal magnetism [internet]. London: J. Churchill; 1843. [citado 23 abr 2025]. 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