Maternal-physiological parameters and prenatal mindfulness interventions - A scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal Health
• Mindfulness Studies

Background:

• Maternal mortality and morbidity reduction is a key health indicator.
• Mindfulness's impact on maternal mental health is documented, but effects on physiological parameters are less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the impact of mindfulness interventions on maternal physiological parameters during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases for relevant studies.
• Included studies focusing on pregnant women and mindfulness interventions affecting physiological outcomes.
• Screened 497 articles, including six studies that met the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• Examined parameters include blood pressure, heart rate variability, salivary cortisol, and blood glucose.
• Mindfulness demonstrated efficacy in influencing blood pressure, cortisol levels, heart rate variability, and blood glucose.
• Limited research exists, making it challenging to distinguish pregnancy-specific effects from general physiological changes.

Conclusions:

• Few maternal physiological parameters have been extensively studied in relation to mindfulness.
• Further extensive research is required to fully understand the impact of mindfulness on maternal physiological health during pregnancy.