Higher levels of non-judging mindfulness during pregnancy predicted reduced depression symptoms at two weeks postpartum, and higher non-judging mindfulness at two weeks postpartum predicted lessened depression symptoms at six weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy predicted reduced mindfulness capacities (non-judging and non-reactivity) in the postpartum period. The findings highlight a reciprocal relationship between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, suggesting that promoting mindfulness during pregnancy may help prevent and manage postpartum mood disorders.
A quasi-experimental study found that mindful breathing exercises reduced anxiety and depression and improved quality of life in women with endometriosis. Among 108 participants, those who practiced the exercises showed a decrease in mean anxiety scores from 13.22 to 6.70 and in depression scores from 12.56 to 4.31, while quality-of-life scores improved from 70.48 to 21.28. The control group did not show comparable changes. The results suggest that mindful breathing can be a helpful addition to care for women with this condition.
A flow-like mental state during childbirth, termed 'birthing consciousness' and characterized by hyperfocus, self-efficacy, and calm, is associated with shorter labor and better postpartum mental health. In a prospective cohort of 138 women planning vaginal births at an Israeli medical center, higher flow scores correlated with shorter second and third stages of labor and with lower postpartum stress. Women who rated their birth experience positively reported significantly higher flow than those with a negative experience. Logistic regression indicated that each additional flow point increased the odds of a positive birth experience. The findings suggest that attending to a woman's mental state during labor may improve outcomes.