Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Research Articles

Intervensi Non Farmakologi untuk Menurunkan Kecemasan dan Ketakutan Persalinan pada Trimester III Kehamilan

This study aims to identify non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce anxiety and fear during childbirth in the third trimester of pregnancy. Using the PRISMA method, the research method used is a systematic review through searching 6 (six) databases, namely ProQuest, Scopus, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Taylor & Francis. The results of research from 11 articles included in the analysis show that non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce pregnant women's anxiety levels regarding pregnancy and childbirth are providing education and training in preparation for childbirth carried out face to face (P < 0.001), Iyengar yoga (P < 0 .05), and the application of lavender oil as aromatherapy (P<0.001) as well as mindfulness-based antenatal education (P<0.001). Meanwhile, non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce the level of fear during childbirth are simulation-based childbirth preparation education combined with mindfulness (P<0.01), online-based antenatal education about childbirth preparation (P<0.05), Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) with a partner (P< 0.05), simulation-based childbirth education (P< 0.05), psychodrama (P< 0.001) and psychotherapy (P< 0.001). In conclusion, non-pharmacological interventions given to pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy can reduce the level of anxiety and fear of childbirth. Keywords: Non-Pharmacological Intervention, Anxiety, Pregnancy, Fear of Childbirth

Effect of Non-Pharmachological Therapies For Pregnant Women with Mental Disorder: A Narrative Review

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions given to pregnant women with mental disorders. Methodology: The method used was a narrative review. Articles searched using PubMed, Science Direct and EBSCO databases. Eight articles were obtained as the final number of articles suitable for review. Findings: Of the eight articles were obtained, all used RCTs. Based on the eight articles that have been analysed, there are eight interventions, namely Spiritual Integrated Cognitive-Behavioural Educational Intervention, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Bright Light Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Intervention, Group-Based Multicomponent Treatment, and The Mindful-moms Training. Contribution: Some of the interventions found can be used in the area of maternity nursing, especially for pregnant women and in the area of psychiatric nursing which focuses on mental disorders.

The effect of mindfulness-based childbirth education intervention on fear of childbirth: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to describe the effect size of mindfulness-based childbirth education on the fear of childbirth. In this study, the meta-analysis method, one of the methods of synthesising quantitative research, was used. EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar, WOS, and CINAHL databases were used to determine the studies to be included in the meta-analysis. The keywords such as "mindfulness", "fear of childbirth", "mindfulness-based childbirth", "mindfulness education" and "childbirth" were searched in the international literature. Four experimental studies published between 2013 and 2022 that aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based childbirth education on the fear of childbirth, had a full text available and met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. On the analysis of the data, mindfulness-based childbirth education was found to be effective in reducing the fear of childbirth (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.117, 95%CI: -1.049: -0.419, p<0.001, I2=36.98%). The results of this meta-analysis indicated that mindfulness-based education provided to pregnant women was found to be effective in reducing the fear of childbirth. Mindfulness-based childbirth education is considered to be used as an effective non-pharmacological midwifery and nursing intervention in reducing the fear of childbirth in pregnant women. This review was preregistered on PROSPERO (Ref No: CRD42022316472).

Cost-Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program for Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth

ObjectiveTo examine the cost-effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) program compared with enhanced care as usual (ECAU). DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingMidwifery settings in the Netherlands, April 2014 to July 2017. ParticipantsSubset of pregnant women with high levels of fear of childbirth (N = 54: randomized to MBCP, n = 32, or to ECAU, n = 22) who were selected from the parent study because they completed all four cost questionnaires. MethodsWe measured self-reported health care and non-health care costs. A subset of participants from the parent study completed the questionnaires at all four assessment points. We used the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire to measure fear of childbirth and used the EuroQol-5D to measure quality of life. We used these measures of effect together with societal costs in the primary cost-effectiveness analyses. In the secondary cost-effectiveness analyses, we used different estimates of effects and costs to test the robustness of the primary analyses. ResultsIn all but one scenario, MBCP was more effective and cost less than ECAU. As indicated by the acceptability curves, the likelihood of MBCP being cost-effective varied within a range of 70% to 98%. ConclusionOur findings indicate that MBCP is a cost-effective intervention to reduce fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Important next steps are to replicate the study in countries with different health care systems and to explore the potential for further integration of MBCP into midwifery care.

From evidence-based health prevention registers to best practices in implementation: how to succeed and tailor an effective prevention program?

Abstract The role of evidence-based prevention registers and “best practice portals”, aiming at health enhancing behaviour changes and reducing social inequalities, are even more important in the post COVID era. Evidence-based practices are interventions for which there is consistent scientific evidence asserting that they improve health outcomes for a specific population at time T in setting S. Adaptation and dissemination are the next challenges for decision-makers whereas there is no scientific consensus on a universal dissemination and adaptation model. Best practice portals should help to disseminate evidence-based interventions in health prevention. Therefore specific skills for adapting and implementing programs in local settings are needed. Models for dissemination remain complex for field practitioners and local stakeholders. Nevertheless, effective implementation can be achieved by supporting the local practitioners and stakeholders with scientific standards in prevention research including a delivery system, an organizational capacity, a support system and a strong training and technical assistance. In this workshop, we will briefly present: 1. The implementation of evidence-based interventions (Unplugged, ICAPS Intervention centred on adolescents’ physical activity and sedentary behavior) or experimented for adaptation (Panjo: Nurse-family partnership, PSFP: Strengthening Families Program, Good Behavior Game, MBCP: Mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting). 2. The lessons learned from the implementation of these interventions. The required conditions for dissemination include readiness assessment, affordability of training and manuals, targeted audience, materials, supportive training and assistance. Fidelity monitoring tools must be provided for field practitioners who face the dilemma to adapt evidence-based program respecting its unchangeable core components (fidelity vs. flexibility in adapting an evidence-based intervention).

Enhancing Prenatal Group Medical Visits with Mindfulness Skills: A Pragmatic Trial with Latina and BIPOC Pregnant Women Experiencing Multiple Forms of Structural Inequity

Abstract Objectives Prenatal mindfulness programs can improve mental health, yet access to and cultural and linguistic relevance of existing programs in the United States are limited for people who do not speak English and/or face major life stressors such as migration, housing instability, limited income, and racism. In response, mindfulness skills training drawn from Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) was integrated into Medicaid-covered CenteringPregnancy (CP) group prenatal healthcare, delivered in Spanish and English by certified nurse-midwives and community co-leaders, and tested in a pragmatic pilot trial. Method A provider survey of 17 CP clinics informed development of the enhanced program. Next, it was tested with 49 pregnant people who chose CP prenatal care. All of the sample identified as women; 4% as LGBTQ + ; 90% as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (65% as Latina/e/x); 10% as White; and 63% as Spanish-speaking. Groups were allocated 1:1 to CenteringPregnancy or CenteringPregnancy with Mindfulness Skills (CP +). Results Intent-to-treat analysis of self-report interview data indicated CP + yielded lower postpartum depression (the a priori primary study outcome) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.80) and a trend toward lower postpartum anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.59) compared to CP. Hypothesized effects on mindfulness, positive/negative affect, and perceived stress were only partially supported at post-birth follow-up. Satisfaction with care was high across conditions. Conclusions Augmenting group prenatal healthcare with mindfulness training in Spanish and English appears feasible, did not reduce satisfaction with care, and may have additional mental health benefits. Key questions remain about structural supports for perinatal well-being. Preregistration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01646463).

Effects of mindfulness-based childbirth education on prenatal anxiety: A quasi-experimental study

Pregnancy and childbirth represent a sequence of challenging events, and adaptive coping strategies are necessary to maintain emotional wellbeing. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of applying a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for pregnant Saudi women with anxiety in the third trimester. A quasi-experimental, within- and between-subject design was used for this study. Data were collected at two points between February and August 2021 from 88 participants using the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. A large, statistically significant reduction was observed in the mean scores of participants' anxiety post-intervention. Furthermore, the anxiety level in the intervention group was very low post-intervention compared to that in the control group. Level of education and spontaneous or medically necessary abortion significantly influenced participants’ anxiety. The MBI sessions helped nulliparous women experience less anxiety during pregnancy. Healthcare providers' awareness about the importance of incorporating mindfulness in childbirth education should be increased. Future research should examine the long-term effects of mindfulness-based techniques on maternal health.

Effects of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) Program Among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) Program Among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting for pregnant women with high fear of childbirth and their partners: outcomes of a randomized controlled trial assessing short- and longer-term effects on psychological well-being, birth and pregnancy experience

ObjectivesMindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) reduces mothers’ anticipated fear of childbirth (FOC), nonurgent obstetric interventions during childbirth and may improve childbirth outcomes in women with high FOC (Veringa-Skiba et al, 2022). The aim of this study was to examine the short- and longer-term outcomes of MBCP on psychological well-being, pregnancy and birth experience, as compared to enhanced care-as-usual (ECAU), in pregnant women with high FOC and their partners. DesignParticipants were randomly assigned to MBCP or ECAU and completed questionnaires preintervention (T1), immediately after intervention (T2), two to four weeks after childbirth (T3) and 16-20 weeks after childbirth (T4). Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted. SettingThe courses were provided by trained midwives. ParticipantsParticipants included 141 pregnant women and 120 partners. InterventionMBCP comprised a nine-weekly three-hour session mindfulness group course for pregnant couples; ECAU consisted of two 90-minute individual couple consultation sessions. MeasurementsMeasures of psychological well-being included measures like stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Measures of pregnancy and birth experience concerned experiencing uplifts during pregnancy, experienced fear of childbirth, labour pain and satisfaction with childbirth. FindingsNo differences between MBCP and ECAU in the total group of birthing women were found. However, women with (at least an onset of) labour that participated in MBCP reported a better birth experience compared to ECAU at T3. Concerning the total partner group only one difference between MBCP and ECAU was found at T4; MBCP partners reported an increase in fatigue. However, in the partner risk group (i.e., partners with lower psychological well-being before intervention) partners experienced better psychological well-being at T2 and T3 after MBCP than ECAU. Key conclusionsMBCP and ECAU demonstrate similar effects on psychological well-being, birth and pregnancy experience. However, MBCP appears superior to ECAU for labouring women in having a better childbirth experience and for partners at risk for psychological complaints in increasing their psychological well-being. Implications for practiceMBCP only positively affects the childbirth experience of those who experience (onset of) natural birth. It might be advisable to include partners at risk for psychological complaints in the MBCP.

Applying Mindfulness Techniques to the Management of Depressive Tendencies in Women in Taiwan in the Perinatal Period: A Qualitative Study

Perinatal distress, especially depression, commonly occurs during pregnancy and the first year postpartum, but this medical condition are often undiagnosed and untreated. The present study explored how women with depressive symptoms during the perinatal period who had participated in a mindfulness course applied the training and perceived its effects. This descriptive qualitative study included 16 women with probable perinatal depression who had participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program during their pregnancy and agreed to be interviewed. One-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted and recorded following the completion of the mindfulness course, approximately 1month after childbirth. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. We proposed three themes and six subthemes relating to first-time mothers' experiences during and after the group mindfulness-based intervention: learning to be aware of the body and mind (confronting awareness of physical change, managing negative feelings differently), building positive family relationships (strengthening the mother-baby bond, developing a satisfactory marital partnership), and overcoming ongoing challenges (conquering childbirth pain with confidence, accepting unexpected situations). Three main themes were generated to demonstrate how women experience the effects of mindfulness training. Mindfulness-based interventions helped the participants develop insight into their mood and physical changes and accept their childbirth process. Therefore, mindfulness education programs can be incorporated into prenatal care to enhance the management of the depressive symptoms of perinatal women.

Fear of childbirth, nonurgent obstetric interventions, and newborn outcomes: A randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting with enhanced care as usual.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether mindfulness‐based childbirth and parenting (MBCP) or enhanced care as usual (ECAU) for expectant couples decreases fear of childbirth (FOC) and nonurgent obstetric interventions during labor and improves newborn outcomes.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingMidwifery settings, the Netherlands, April 2014‐July 2017.PopulationPregnant women with high FOC (n = 141) and partners.MethodsAllocation to MBCP or ECAU. Hierarchical multilevel and intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses.Main outcome measuresPrimary: pre‐/postintervention FOC, labor anxiety disorder, labor pain (catastrophizing and acceptance), and preferences for nonurgent obstetric interventions. Secondary: rates of epidural analgesia (EA), self‐requested cesarean birth (sCB), unmedicated childbirth, and 1‐ and 5‐minute newborn's Apgar scores.ResultsMBCP was significantly superior to ECAU in decreasing FOC, catastrophizing of labor pain, preference for nonurgent obstetric interventions, and increasing acceptance of labor pain. MBCP participants were 36% less likely to undergo EA (RR 0.64, 95% CI [0.43‐0.96]), 51% less likely to undergo sCB (RR 0.49, 95% CI [0.36‐0.67]), and twice as likely to have unmedicated childbirth relative to ECAU (RR 2.00, 95% CI [1.23‐3.20]). Newborn's 1‐minute Apgar scores were higher in MBCP (DM −0.39, 95% CI [−0.74 to −0.03]). After correction for multiple testing, results remained significant in ITT and PP analyses, except EA in ITT analyses and 1‐minute Apgar.ConclusionsMBCP for pregnant couples reduces mothers’ fear of childbirth, nonurgent obstetric interventions during childbirth and may improve childbirth outcomes. MBCP adapted for pregnant women with high FOC and their partners appears an acceptable and effective intervention for midwifery care.

Correction to: Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting on Infant Social-Emotional Development

Correction to: Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting on Infant Social-Emotional Development

Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting on Infant Social-Emotional Development

ObjectiveMaternal stress and depression in pregnancy and early parenting are associated with decreased maternal sensitivity and infant social-emotional development impairments. This randomized controlled trial explored if a Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP) is more beneficial than a Lamaze program for infant’s social-emotional development. Infant social-emotional development was also explored in the light of maternal psychological states.MethodsPregnant women at risk of perinatal stress and depression were included and randomized to either MBCP or Lamaze. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) regarding infant social-emotional development was filled out by the mothers (n = 88) 3 months postpartum. Data on mode of delivery, skin-to-skin care, and breastfeeding rates was collected from medical records and self-report questionnaires. The women also filled out self-report questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Positive States of Mind, and Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postpartum.ResultsThere was a significant difference in score on the infants’ social-emotional development, suggesting that infants in the MBCP-study arm showed better social-emotional development compared with infants in the Lamaze-study arm (p = .049 d = .407). At 3 months postpartum, 9% in the MBCP-arm compared with 29% in the Lamaze-arm (p = .02) scored above the EPDS cutoff 11/12. Furthermore, maternal positive states of mind at 3 months postpartum influenced the variance of ASQ:SE.ConclusionThe study shows positive effects of MBCP influencing the mother-infant dyad, suggesting that the increase in maternal psychological well-being supports positive infant social-emotional development.Trial RegistrationNCT02441595

Effects of prenatal mindfulness-based childbirth education on child-bearers\u2019 trajectories of distress: a randomized control trial

BackgroundThe perinatal period is a time of immense change, which can be a period of stress and vulnerability for mental health difficulties. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise for reducing distress, but further research is needed to identify long-term effects and moderators of mindfulness training in the perinatal period.MethodsThe current study used data from a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) comparing a condensed mindfulness-based childbirth preparation program—the Mind in Labor (MIL)—to treatment as usual (TAU) to examine whether prenatal mindfulness training results in lower distress across the perinatal period, and whether the degree of benefit depends on child-bearers’ initial levels of risk (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and protective (i.e., mindfulness) characteristics. Child-bearers (N = 30) in their third trimester were randomized to MIL or TAU and completed assessments of distress—perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms—at pre-intervention, post-intervention, six-weeks post-birth, and one-year postpartum.ResultsMultilevel modeling of distress trajectories revealed greater decreases from pre-intervention to 12-months postpartum for those in MIL compared to TAU, especially among child-bearers who were higher in anxiety and/or lower in dispositional mindfulness at baseline.ConclusionsThe current study offers preliminary evidence for durable perinatal mental health benefits following a brief mindfulness-based program and suggests further investigation of these effects in larger samples is warranted.Trial registrationThe ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for the study is: NCT02327559. The study was retrospectively registered on June 23, 2014.

Effects of a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program on maternal-fetal attachment: A randomized controlled trial among Iranian pregnant women

Background and PurposeAlthough mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting is suggested to promote maternal-fetal attachment, no study has yet addressed its potential effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program on maternal-fetal attachment among Iranian pregnant women. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted on pregnant women, who were divided into two groups to either receive routine care plus mindfulness training for childbirth and parenting (i.e., eight 2-h group sessions once a week and one 3-h session of silent meditation) or receive routine care alone. Maternal-fetal attachment was evaluated by the Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. ResultsAfter the intervention, the total score of maternal-fetal attachment was significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.001; effect size = 0.640). In the intervention group, all dimensions of maternal-fetal attachment significantly improved, except the dimension of “differentiation of self from the fetus”, whereas in the control group, only the dimension of “attributing characteristics to the fetus” improved. ConclusionThe implemented program in this study was potentially effective in promoting maternal-fetal attachment.

Long-term Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program\u2014a Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate long-term effects of Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) during pregnancy on women’s perceived stress and depressive symptoms during the first year postpartum.MethodsWomen (n = 193) who were pregnant with their first child and at risk for perinatal depression were randomized to MBCP or an active control condition, which consisted of a Lamaze childbirth class. The women provided self-reported data on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, positive states of mind, and the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire at baseline, postintervention, and at 3, 9, and 12 months postpartum.ResultsLinear mixed model analysis showed that the intervention group had a larger decrease in stress (p = 0.04) and depression scores (p = 0.004) and larger increase in positive states of mind (p < 0.001) and mindfulness scores (p < 0.001) from baseline to postintervention (10–12 weeks later), compared with the active control group. These initial effects were not sustained during the follow-up period. However, analyses restricted to mothers in the MBCP condition showed that those who reported continued mindfulness practice during the follow-up period (n = 50) had a greater initial effect of the intervention and sustained the effects to a larger degree, compared with mothers who did not continue practicing mindfulness (n = 21).ConclusionsThis study gives partial support for providing MBCP for pregnant women. Although the initial beneficial effects from MBCP were not sustained during the postpartum period, the findings warrant further investigations since the improvements take place in a time that is crucial for the mother–infant dyad.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02441595.

Reducing Fear of Childbirth Among Pregnant Women: Women's Lived Experience, Predictors, and Effects of Mindfulness-based Childbirth Education

Reducing Fear of Childbirth Among Pregnant Women: Women's Lived Experience, Predictors, and Effects of Mindfulness-based Childbirth Education

A mindfulness and compassion-based program applied to pregnant women and their partners to decrease depression symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPregnancy and the postpartum period are times of great change for women and their partners, often bringing substantial challenges and stress. Approximately 10%–20% of women suffer from mood disorders such as depression in the perinatal period. There are risks involved in using psychopharmacological interventions to treat perinatal depression. Mindfulness and compassion-based educational programs could be efficacious and cost-effective options for the prevention and treatment of perinatal mood disorders. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of an adapted Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) program that includes compassion training for pregnant women in primary care (PC) settings in the Spanish National Health System to decrease perinatal depression.MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted. Participants will be pregnant women (n = 122) and their partners who wish to participate. They will be enrolled and assessed in PC settings and randomly assigned to either: (1) an adapted MBCP educational program tailored to the Spanish National Health System + treatment as usual (TAU); or (2) TAU only. The main outcome to be assessed will be depression, evaluated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Secondary outcomes will include self-reported measures of perceived stress, affects, mindfulness, self-compassion, maternal self-efficacy, and use of health and social services. Patients will be assessed at four timepoints: baseline; post-treatment; and at three and six months after childbirth. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be carried out using linear regression mixed models. Effect sizes will be estimated using Cohen’s d.DiscussionPerinatal depression is a significant health problem. An effective and low-cost childbirth education program that incorporates mindfulness and compassion practices may be a beneficial preventive complementary healthcare modality for expectant women and their partners. This study will be the first multicenter RCT in Spanish PC settings using adapted MBCP and compassion practices to reduce symptoms of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03247491. Registered on 31 July 2017.

Effects of a mindfulness based childbirth and parenting program on pregnant women's perceived stress and risk of perinatal depression–Results from a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP) in reducing pregnant women's perceived stress and preventing perinatal depression compared to an active control condition. MethodFirst time pregnant women (n = 197) at risk of perinatal depression were randomized to MBCP or an active control treatment, which consisted of a Lamaze childbirth class. At baseline and post-intervention, participants filled out questionnaires on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, positive states of mind, and five facets of mindfulness. ResultsCompared to the active control treatment, MBCP significantly reduced perceived stress (p = 0.038, d = 0.30) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.004, d = 0.42), and increased positive states of mind (p = 0.005, d = 0.41) and self-reported mindfulness (p = 0.039, d = 0.30). Moreover, change in mindfulness possibly mediated the treatment effects of MBCP on stress, depression symptoms, and positive states of mind. The subscales “non-reactivity to inner experience” and “non-judging of experience” seemed to have the strongest mediating effects. LimitationsThe outcomes were self-report questionnaires, the participants were not blinded to treatment condition and the condition was confounded by number of sessions. ConclusionsOur results suggest that MBCP is more effective in decreasing perceived stress and risk of perinatal depression compared to a Lamaze childbirth class. The results also contribute to our understanding of the underlying psychological mechanisms through which the reduction of stress and depression symptoms may operate. Thus, this study increases our knowledge about efficient intervention strategies to prevent perinatal depression and promote mental wellbeing among pregnant women.

Assessing the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs on mental health during pregnancy and early motherhood - a randomized control trial

BackgroundThe process of entering motherhood is highly stressful for women, with 15–85% of new mothers experiencing postpartum blues or depression. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program in improving psychological health during the postpartum period.MethodsThis research was a randomized controlled trial with single blinding. Recruitment began after the participating hospital granted formal approval. A total of 74 women between 13 and 28-weeks gestation were allocated either to the intervention group or to the comparison group. The intervention program included a series of eight, 3-h classes held once weekly and 1 day of 7-h silent meditation. Psychological health was assessed at baseline and 3-months postpartum.ResultsSignificant differences in stress and depression were observed in both groups over time. Stress scores and depression scores were significantly better in the intervention group than in the comparison group at 3-months postpartum (F = 7.19, p = .009 and F = 7.36, p = .008, respectively). No significant difference between the groups was identified for mindfulness scores at 3-months postpartum.ConclusionsThe intervention program effectively reduced postpartum self-perceived stress and depression, suggesting that this program provides acceptable and long-term benefits to women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The teaching and practice of mindfulness meditation and parenting education during pregnancy may help reduce stress and depression in pregnant women as they transition into parenthood.Trial registrationThe ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for this study is: NCT03185910. The study was retrospectively registered on 14 June 2017.