Mindfulness-Based Interventions During Pregnancy and Long-Term Effects on Postpartum Depression and Maternal Mental

Sara Trapani1,2, Martina Caglioni1, Giulia Villa3

  • 1Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and University, Milan, Italy.

Objectives: Preventing postpartum depression (PPD) is a public health goal. The scientific literature has demonstrated the short-term efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) delivered during pregnancy on PPD. Nevertheless, the long-term outcomes of MBIs are still unclear. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four databases were searched to identify RCTs focused on describing the efficacy of MBIs on PPD and published in English up to February 2022. Settings/Location: The study was conducted globally. Subjects: Pregnant women who received MBIs. Interventions: MBIs were delivered during pregnancy in the included RCTs. Outcome Measures: Data collection and analysis effect size were combined using a random-effects model. The reporting in this study was consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Six studies were included. The overall effect size significantly reduced PPD symptoms severity in the MBI group versus the control group in the first 3 months after childbirth (standardized mean difference = -0.26; 95% confidence interval = -0.51 to -0.01; I2 = 30.65%). The effects of MBIs were significant in women who started MBIs with a low risk of developing PPD. Conclusions: MBIs delivered during pregnancy have long-term benefits for PPD. Implications for Practice: Further studies focused on testing MBIs starting during pregnancy and lasting over the postpartum and modulating the intensity of delivering MBIs based on the risk for developing PPD are needed to inform the practice with solid evidence.

Related Concept Videos

Community Based Intervention01:30

Community Based Intervention

Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
65
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III01:25

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III

Regular exercise and meditation serve as essential tools in managing stress and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
83
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
274
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
180