Study protocol of guided mobile-based perinatal mindfulness intervention (GMBPMI) - a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Mindfulness-based interventions
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Maternal psychological distress (MPS) negatively impacts infant outcomes.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) effectively reduce psychological distress.
• Mobile-based MBI offers accessible and cost-effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the effectiveness of a guided mobile-based perinatal mindfulness intervention (GMBPMI) for pregnant women with psychological distress.
• To examine the efficacy of GMBPMI on maternal psychological wellbeing and heart rate variability (HRV).
• To investigate GMBPMI's impact during both pre- and post-natal periods.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with parallel design.
• 198 pregnant women in their second trimester randomly assigned to GMBPMI or psychoeducation.
• Outcomes measured at baseline, post-intervention, 36-week gestation, and 5-week postpartum.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes: maternal psychological stress, mindfulness, and positive appraisal HRV.
• Secondary outcomes: psychological and physical wellbeing.
• Tertiary outcomes: obstetric, neonatal, and social support.

Conclusions:

• This trial will enhance understanding of GMBPMI's effects on HRV and psychological wellbeing in pregnant women.
• Findings may support the delivery of accessible and cost-effective perinatal mental health services.
• Further examination of HRV's association with MBI and psychological wellbeing is warranted.