Online mindfulness-based intervention for women with pregnancy distress: A randomized controlled trial

Lianne P Hulsbosch,Eva S Potharst,Inga Schwabe,Myrthe G.B.M Boekhorst,Victor J.M Pop,Ivan Nyklíček

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.009

Lianne P Hulsbosch, Eva S Potharst + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.009

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundPregnancy distress among childbearing women is common and can negatively affect both mother and infant. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may have a positive effect on pregnancy distress but randomized controlled trials with sufficient power are lacking. The current study examined the effectiveness of an online self-guided MBI in pregnant women with pregnancy distress. MethodsPregnant women with elevated pregnancy distress levels at 12 weeks of pregnancy, measured with the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale negative affect (TPDS-NA), were randomized into an intervention group (online MBI, N = 109) or control group (care as usual, N = 110). The primary outcome was the change in pregnancy distress post-intervention and at eight-weeks-follow-up. Secondary outcomes were mindfulness skills (Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form), rumination (Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form) at post-intervention and follow-up in the intervention group. ResultsSignificant improvements were found in pregnancy distress scores, but no significant differences between intervention and control group appeared. The MBI group showed improvements in mindfulness skills, rumination, and self-compassion. LimitationsLow adherence to the intervention and assessment of secondary outcome measures in the intervention group only. ConclusionsAn intervention trial with one of the largest samples (N = 219) provided no evidence of a significant effect of an online self-guided MBI in distressed pregnant women. An online MBI may be associated with an improvement in mindfulness skills, rumination, and self-compassion. Future research should address the effectiveness of MBI's with different formats (online and group-based combined) and examine a possible delayed effect. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03917745, registered on 4 March 2019.

Full Text