Mindful Pregnancy – A Service Evaluation; the effectiveness of a group antenatal education and psychoeducation programme in pregnancy for improving perinatal mental health in moderate to low risk conditions.

Abstract

Perinatal mental health has a significant impact on the life chances of women, babies and families.1 MBRRACE Confidential Enquires into Mother and Babies Outcomes UK) each year continue to highlight the need for agencies to work together to improve outcomes.2 As part of collaborative working between mental health and maternity services, the six-week Mindful Pregnancy intervention containing antenatal education and psychoeducation, was developed. The intention was to enable women to develop skills to manage emotional changes, prepare for birth and early parenthood, and improve maternal/infant mental health using a combination of antenatal education and psychoeducation. Assessment has shown a high recovery rate and excellent satisfaction ratings. Further research is needed to explore the impact that the intervention has on mood and anxiety post birth and into early parenthood.