Women in the intervention group were first educated about the PRM technique in a quiet room in the obstetrics polyclinic and were then allowed to listen to the CD about the relaxation exercises and women were asked to perform them. This education was provided once for each pregnant women and lasted oximately 2 hours. The aim was to help women learn and perform the exercises properly. Care was taken to ensure that e exercises were e only content of the practice sessions. After the education session, each pregnant woman was ven the handbook and CD and was asked to listen to an perform the PMR exercises at home, following the instruc tions on the CD, twice per day (morning and evening) for 8 weeks At 4 weeks after the first meeting, women re the obstetrics polyc nic for another visit and were aske to perform the PMR exercises under the supervision of the researcher to identify any errors in performance. They completed the 36 and VAS scale. Women returned again o the obstetrics polydinic4 weeks later after the compl of th 8-week PMR program, and completed the SF.36 and VAS scale one more time. Participants recorded their performance of the exercises on a standard calendar and were encouraged not to skip more han 2 exercise sessions per week. They were also warned not to use other con plementary therapies, such as acupuncture massage, and other mind-body techniques, during the study period. ey were questioned about this at each visit and at the end of the study. Routine daily activity was not restricted.