Another approach to managing antenatal anxiety is
using CAM therapies such as exercise, stress reduction, yoga,
massage, and relaxation methods including diaphragmatic
breathing. These have proven useful in improving well-being
and overall health. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises can be
modified for use in pregnant women and help to minimize
panic symptoms. In addition, assisting a pregnant woman to
focus on the present by using mindfulness techniques may
help to reduce anxiety. This is accomplished by working to
gradually reduce what she sees as safety or reassuring behaviors,
including excessive collection of information or calls to
the obstetrician (Avni-Barron & Wiegartz, 2011).