Stress and negative mood during pregnancy increase risk for poor childbirth outcomes and postnatal mood problems and may interfere with mother–infant attachment and child development. However, relatively little research has focused on the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to reduce stress and negative mood during pregnancy. In this study, we developed and pilot tested an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention directed toward reducing stress and improving mood in pregnancy and early postpartum. We then conducted a small randomized trial ( n = 31) comparing women who received the intervention during the last half of their pregnancy to a wait-list control group. Measures of perceived stress, positive and negative affect, depressed and anxious mood, and affect regulation were collected prior to, immediately following, and three months after the intervention (postpartum). Mothers who received the intervention showed significantly reduced anxiety (effect size, 0.89; p < 0.05) and negative affect (effect size, 0.83; p < 0.05) during the third trimester in comparison to those who did not receive the intervention. The brief and nonpharmaceutical nature of this intervention makes it a promising candidate for use during pregnancy.
Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention during pregnancy on prenatal stress and mood: results of a pilot study
Archives of Women's Mental Health
Short Title:
Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention during pregnancy on prenatal stress and mood
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Year:
2008
Pages:
67-74
Sources ID:
22337
Visibility:
Private
Zotero Collections:
Contemplation by Applied Subject, Parenting & Childcare and Contemplation, Education and Contemplation, Psychology and Contemplation, Science and Contemplation
Abstract:
(Show)
Zotero Collections
Subjects:
Psychology and Contemplation
Education and Contemplation
Science and Contemplation
Parenting & Childcare and Contemplation
Contemplation by Applied Subject