NURSING CARE FOR THIRD TRIMESTER PREGNANT WOMEN THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION THERAPY TO OVERCOME ANXIETY AT PANTAI CERMIN PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

Abstrak

Abstract

This study aimed to provide nursing care for a third-trimester pregnant woman experiencing anxiety related to her first pregnancy and to evaluate the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention. The method used was a case study approach conducted at Pantai Cermin Public Health Center on a 21-year-old primigravida with a gestational age of 34 weeks. The intervention was carried out over three consecutive days, with a duration of 15–20 minutes per session. The assessment of anxiety levels was conducted using the Pregnancy-Specific Anxiety Tool (PSAT) before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant reduction in anxiety level from moderate (score 32) to mild (score 21). The patient reported feeling calmer, more relaxed, and better prepared for childbirth. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy effectively reduced anxiety symptoms by decreasing muscle tension, improving breathing control, and enhancing mental comfort. This study suggests that progressive muscle relaxation can be implemented as an effective, safe, and easy-to-apply complementary therapy in nursing care for pregnant women facing childbirth anxiety. This study concludes that progressive muscle relaxation therapy is an effective, safe, and easy-to-implement complementary intervention in nursing care for third-trimester pregnant women experiencing anxiety, particularly primigravida mothers preparing for childbirth. This intervention is simple, safe, and improves psychological readiness for labor. Nurses are encouraged to integrate PMR as a complementary therapy in antenatal care to improve maternal comfort and reduce anxiety-related complications. This intervention has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety levels in pregnant women in their third trimester, often from moderate to mild or no anxiety at all. Progressive muscle relaxation is effective in reducing low back pain, which is often experienced in the third trimester, with a high percentage of effectiveness. This technique is safe, inexpensive, easy to learn, and can be performed independently by mothers at home, so it is recommended as an alternative therapy to accompany midwifery care. By tensing and relaxing muscles, the body releases tension, increases blood flow, and triggers a relaxation response, which ultimately provides emotional calm.

Keywords: Progressive Muscle Relaxation; Anxiety; Third Trimester; Pregnancy; Nursing Care.