Mindfulness-Based Interventions During Pregnancy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Mindfulness December 1, 2017 Anjulie Dhillon, Elizabeth Sparkes, Rui V. Duarte
A systematic review of 14 studies examined whether mindfulness-based interventions during pregnancy improve mental health and mindfulness. Pooled results from randomized controlled trials showed no differences between mindfulness and control groups for anxiety, depression, or perceived stress. However, non-randomized studies indicated significant benefits for those outcomes. Both randomized and non-randomized trials found that mindfulness interventions significantly increased levels of mindfulness compared to controls. The review suggests mindfulness-based interventions can be beneficial for anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and mindfulness during the perinatal period, though more research is needed on long-term postnatal effects.