Printer Friendly Close

Review
Page 4 of 4

Nonpharmacologic Measures: Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a form of distraction used to

manage the discomfort of labor contractions. It can
involve encouraging the woman to imagine herself in
a pleasant place where she feels relaxed and
comfortable, or a place she has been before that
she enjoyed. The nurse can also direct her to
envision herself floating weightless in a pool of water
where her limbs and body are totally relaxed. While
in her special place or while floating in the pool, she
can also envision her cervix opening with each
contraction, allowing her baby to move down into the
birth canal. The woman can enhance her relaxation
by using cleansing breaths and/or slow-paced
breathing during these visualizations. Guided
imagery may be most effective during the latent or
active phase of the first stage of labor. Some woman
may not find it as effective during the transition
phase of the first stage, or not at all during the
second stage of labor.