A coparent intervention to prevent prenatal stress and depression symptoms in families with lower incomes

Societal inequities place some groups of expectant parents, such as those who experience discrimination based on race and class, at greater risk for prenatal depression and stress.

The goal of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an intervention to reduce depressive symptoms and stress (self-reported and physiological) among families with low-income during early pregnancy.

Participants included 46 dyads, 24 of whom were assigned to the PREParing for Parenthood (PREP) intervention group and 22 to the usual care group. PREP consisted of six psychoeducational group sessions during pregnancy taught by paraprofessionals in a community setting. Interviews were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6 to 8 weeks postpartum to assess for symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and physiological stress via salivary cortisol. Indicators of intervention feasibility were also collected.

Results revealed a decrease in depressive symptoms (Cohen's d = .53) and self-reported stress (Cohen's d = .62) for mothers in the intervention group compared with the control group. Intervention group mothers also had lower physiological stress post-intervention compared with the control group. No effects were observed for partners. Most participants attended at least five of six intervention sessions and reported high satisfaction with the intervention.

The accessible nature of the PREP program makes it a promising intervention to reduce perinatal maternal mental health inequities. Findings contribute to the field of family science by developing and testing one of the first prevention programs to take a family systems approach to promoting mental health during early pregnancy.