Effect of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Psychological Distress and Pregnancy Rate in Infertile Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.
Ramin Shiraly, Afra Khani Valizadeh, Sedigheh Amooee, Mozhgan Moghtaderi, Seyed Hesamedin Nabavizadeh, Farshad Nazaraghaie, Sara Mostafavi
Obstetrics and gynecology international January 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1155/ogi/1249143 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program reduced anxiety and showed a borderline decrease in depression among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The intervention group also had a higher rate of ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy. The randomized trial assigned 133 infertile women to either an online MBSR intervention or a control group. The MBSR group attended twice-weekly mindfulness sessions over three months. The authors suggest that online MBSR may effectively reduce psychological distress in women undergoing IVF, with potential benefits for pregnancy outcomes.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 133 |
| Population | Infertile women undergoing IVF |
| Intervention | Online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | In vitro fertilization Infertility Psychological distress |
| Key finding | Online MBSR reduced anxiety and showed a borderline decrease in depression, and was associated with a higher rate of ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy. |
Abstract
This study evaluated whether an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program could reduce psychological distress and improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 133 infertile women were randomized to an online MBSR intervention or a control group. The intervention included twice-weekly mindfulness sessions over 3 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety and depression, and the ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy rate was a secondary outcome. The intervention group showed significant reductions in anxiety and a significant borderline decrease in depression compared to controls. Participation in MBSR was also associated with a higher rate of ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy. Online MBSR may effectively reduce psychological distress in women undergoing IVF, with potential benefits for pregnancy outcomes. This study suggests that online MBSR may serve as an effective complementary approach for alleviating emotional distress and potentially enhancing pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. Online MBSR programs appear to be a valuable tool for supporting women in managing infertility-related psychological challenges. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20241002063238N1.