Mindfulness-based stress reduction during pregnancy is associated with changes in placental fatty acid metabolism and endocrine function
Jorge López‐Tello, L. Youssef, Rubén Bermejo‐Poza, A Cabezas, J. de la Fuente, Alejandro A. Candia, Francesca Crovetto, Eduard Gratacós, Fàtima Crispi, A.N. Sferruzzi-Perri
Placenta October 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2026.10.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Placentas from pregnant participants in the IMPACT BCN trial, including male and female neonates |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Measures | fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, gene expression by qPCR, protein levels by Western blotting |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBSR during pregnancy was associated with altered placental fatty acid composition (increases in C20:2, C20:3n6, C22:0, and C22:1n9; a decrease in C24:0) and reduced ALOX15 expression. Expression of endocrine and steroidogenic genes (CSH1/2, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B1) and STAT3 protein decreased predominantly in male placentas, while most lipid-metabolism, inflammation, and glucocorticoid genes were unchanged. The authors suggest these sex-specific changes may influence placental function and fetal development. |
Abstract
Introduction: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a promising non-pharmacological approach to improve mental health during pregnancy. This study examined whether maternal MBSR is associated with changes in placental metabolic and endocrine function.
Methods: Placental samples were collected from participants in the IMPACT BCN randomized clinical trial, assigned to either MBSR or control care. Fatty acid composition was analysed by gas chromatography, gene expression by qPCR, and protein levels by Western blotting in placentas from male and female neonates.
Results: MBSR altered placental fatty acid composition, increasing several fatty acids (C20:2, C20:3n6, C22:0, C22:1n9) and reducing C24:0. Expression of ALOX15 , a lipid signaling regulator, was reduced in the MBSR group, while genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and glucocorticoid pathways were largely unchanged. MBSR also decreased expression of key endocrine and steroidogenic genes ( CSH1/2, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B1 ), predominantly in male placentas. Consistently, STAT3 protein levels were reduced in males, indicating a potential change in endocrine signaling in response to MBSR.
Discussion: MBSR during pregnancy is associated with selective, sex-specific changes in placental lipid and endocrine pathways. These findings suggest that MBSR intervention influences placental function, potentially impacting fetal development.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 11, 2007
- Salivary testosterone and cortisol response in acute stress modulated by seven sessions of mindfulness meditation in young males Stress February 20, 2024
- Brief mindfulness training increased glutamate metabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex. Neuroreport November 4, 2020
- Central and autonomic nervous system interaction is altered by short-term meditation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences June 2, 2009