Effects of mindfulness-based childbirth preparation education on psychosocial outcomes in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.
Sibel Ocak, Tülay Yılmaz
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth September 10, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-09887-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 74 |
| Population | Primiparous pregnant women |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Preparation Education Information-Based Childbirth Preparation Education |
| Duration | 8-week intervention (intervention group), 4-week intervention (control group); postpartum PTSD assessed at the fourth postpartum week |
| Measures | Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, childbirth self-efficacy, postpartum PTSD symptoms |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Depression, postpartum Prospective studies Stress, psychological Self efficacy Stress disorders, post-traumatic Pregnancy Parturition Adult Female Prenatal education Subjective stress Pregnant people Childbirth education Self-efficacy Postpartum trauma |
| Registration | NCT06111716 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Preparation Education produced significantly lower perceived stress and depressive symptom scores than information-based childbirth education. No significant between-group differences were found in childbirth self-efficacy or postpartum PTSD symptoms at the fourth postpartum week. |
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have been increasingly integrated into antenatal education programs to improve maternal psychosocial well-being. However, evidence regarding their effects on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, childbirth self-efficacy, and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Preparation Education (MBCPE) on psychosocial outcomes in primiparous pregnant women.
Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The study was completed with 74 pregnant women, including 36 participants in the intervention group and 38 participants in the control group. The intervention group received Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Preparation Education over eight weeks, while the control group received Information-Based Childbirth Preparation Education over four weeks. Outcome measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, childbirth self-efficacy, and postpartum PTSD symptoms. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare group differences, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups in terms of Perceived Stress Scale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale mean scores (p < 0.05), indicating lower stress and depressive symptoms in the intervention group. However, no significant differences were observed between groups in childbirth self-efficacy or postpartum PTSD symptoms assessed at the fourth postpartum week (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Preparation Education appears to be effective in reducing perceived stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period. However, it does not appear to provide an additional benefit for childbirth self-efficacy compared with the control group. No significant between-group difference was observed in postpartum PTSD symptoms assessed at the fourth postpartum week. These findings provide preliminary support for the inclusion of mindfulness-based components in antenatal education to enhance maternal psychosocial well-being.
Trial Registration: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on November 1, 2023 (NCT06111716).
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 19
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Fear of Childbirth Among Pregnant Women Planned for Normal Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing February 1, 2026
- Effects of an integrated childbirth education program to reduce fear of childbirth, anxiety, and depression, and improve dispositional mindfulness: A single-blind randomised controlled trial. Midwifery July 1, 2022
- Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Intervention on Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2022
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress, Depression and Anxiety During the Perinatal Period in Women Without Pre-existing Stress, Depressive or Anxiety Disorders: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Trials Mindfulness October 1, 2021
and 14 more in the library