Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention during pregnancy changes maternal brain.
Yvan Gomez, Ayako Nakaki, Allegra Conti, Sara Castro-Barquero, Benedetta Gambosi, Irene Casas, Mariona Genero, Lina Youssef, Leticia Benítez, Noelia Encabo, Rosa Casas, Andrés Martín-Asuero, Teresa Oller-Guzmán, Ivette Morilla, Anabel Martínez-Àran, Nuria Bargallo, Nicola Toschi, Ramon Estruch, Eduard Vieta, Fàtima Crispi, Eduard Gratacós, Francesca Crovetto
Scientific Reports July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-07787-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 76 |
| Population | Pregnant women |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, magnetic resonance imaging in third trimester |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | MRI Mindfulness-based stress reduction Pregnancy Small-for-gestational age 8-week program Pregnant women Maternal brain Brain structure Brain chemistry Frontal brain region Brain metabolites Neuroimaging |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction during pregnancy led to larger right superior frontal surface area and higher myo-inositol concentrations compared to usual care. |
Abstract
Our aim is to evaluate the effect of a structured stress reduction intervention based on mindfulness during pregnancy on the maternal brain. We report a secondary analysis of IMPACT BCN, a randomized clinical trial including pregnant women randomly allocated to 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (n = 41) or usual care (without any intervention, n = 35). Maternal magnetic resonance (MR) was performed in the third trimester, cluster-wise analysis was used to assess cortical morphometric differences, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to evaluate the metabolic characteristics. Mindfulness status was evaluated using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Results showed that participants from Stress reduction group had significantly larger surface areas in the right superior frontal region as compared to the Usual care group (90%CI: 0.023-0.029, p = 0.03). The1H-MRS revealed that Stress reduction group participants, had higher concentrations of myo-inositol (adjusted mean difference D 0.37 mol/L, 95%CI 0.05-0.69) as compared to Usual care. Participants who had high mindfulness on FFMQ facets of non-judgmental (D 358.5 mm2, 95%CI 53.5-663.6) and non-reactivity (D 362.3 mm2, 95%CI 18.8-705.7) had larger right superior frontal area. In conclusion, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program during pregnancy has a significant effect on maternal brain structure and is associated with metabolite concentration changes.
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 20
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 11, 2007
- Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry October 22, 2018
and 15 more in the library