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The effects of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP) on prenatal attachment, depression, stress, and anxiety in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial.

Ezgi Fındık, Neslihan Yılmaz Sezer, Menekşe Nazlı Aker, Duygu Badur

Journal of Affective Disorders May 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.02.030 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 36
Population Pregnant women
Intervention Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP)
Duration 8-week intervention
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Keywords Mental health Prenatal attachment Prenatal stress Randomized controlled trial
Citations 11
Registration NCT05866549
Key findings The MBCP program significantly increased prenatal attachment scores and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress within the intervention group over 8 weeks.

Abstract

Interventions to cope with emotional states (depression, stress, and anxiety) and strengthen attachment are important. This research aims to determine the effect of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP) on pregnant women's prenatal attachment and their levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. This randomized controlled trial included 36 participants who were randomly assigned into two groups: the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program (MBCP) group (18 participants), and the control group (18 participants). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) were administered at the beginning of the study and again 8 weeks later. In the follow-up, the MBCP group exhibited significantly higher mean scores on the PAI compared to the control group (p 0.05). However, there was a statistical difference between the baseline and follow-up scores for depression, anxiety, and stress in the MBCP group in terms of within-group comparison (p < 0.05). This study has demonstrated that the MBCP program has positive effects on prenatal attachment, anxiety, depression, and stress. Therefore, it is considered that MBCP could be a tool for nurses, midwifes, child development specialists, and other healthcare professionals. NCT05866549.

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