Feasibility of a Perinatal Mindfulness-Based Intervention Delivered Remotely Due to COVID-19

Mind–body interventions have shown promise for improving prenatal mental health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a prenatal mind-body intervention delivered remotely due to COVID-19 and preliminary efficacy with respect to mental health outcomes. This study used a simultaneous mixed methods approach (n = 27). Mixed methods data were collected to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the remotely delivered program (I.e., acceptability, practicality, demand, sustainability). Findings suggests that remote delivery of the Mindful Moms-to-Be program is acceptable. Half of the sample (45%) reported that they felt remote participation was more acceptable compared to in-person programming and approximately 1/3 reported that either format would be acceptable. Additionally, 36% of participants reported that remote participation did not impact their ability to participate and 46% reported that it increased their ability to participate. A majority (63%) of participants reported feeling moderately or extremely likely to sustain the habits learned in the program after birth. Finally, after participating in the program, participants reported statistically significant increases in resilience (t (26) = -3.89, p<.01) and statistically significant decreases in stress (t (26) = 3.45, p<.01), depression (t (26) = 4.04), and anxiety (t (26) = 4.23, p<.01). Remotely delivered mind-body interventions may be feasible for pregnant individuals, increase demand, and potentially lead to sustainable changes in the postpartum period. Participation in Mindful Moms-to-Be may significantly mitigate negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety, during pregnancy.

The mental health crisis of expectant women in the UK: effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal mental health, antenatal attachment and social support

BackgroundExperiences of prenatal trauma exacerbates vulnerability to negative health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants. We aimed to examine the role of: 1) anxiety, depression, and stress related to COVID-19 in predicting the quality of antenatal attachment; 2) perceived social support and COVID-19 appraisal in predicting maternal anxiety and depression.MethodsA sample of 150 UK expectant women were surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions included demographics, pregnancy details, and COVID-19 appraisal. Validated measures were used to collect self-reported maternal antenatal attachment (MAAS), symptoms of anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-II), and stress related to the psychological impact of COVID-19 (IES-r). ResultsWe found that the pandemic has affected UK expectant mothers’ mental health by increasing prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress. Women for whom COVID-19 had a higher psychological impact were more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms. High depressive symptoms were associated with reduced attachment to the unborn baby. Whilst women who appraised the impact of COVID-19 to be more negative showed higher levels of anxiety, higher social support acted as a protective factor and was associated with lower anxiety.LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the study hinders conclusions about causality. Future research should include paternal prenatal mental health. ConclusionsDirect experience of prenatal trauma, such as the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly amplifies mothers’ vulnerability to mental health symptoms and impairs the formation of a positive relationship with their unborn baby. Health services should prioritise interventions strategies aimed at fostering support for pregnant women.

Partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy mediates the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health

Background An unplanned pregnancy may be followed by increased depression and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mediating role of partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy (PERP) on the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 healthy Iranian pregnant women during their third trimester. The levels of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The PERP score was also measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the plug-in application PROCESS macro. Results The results showed that PERP score was reversely related to pregnancy planning and prenatal depression and anxiety. The direct effect of the pregnancy planning on depression (c = −.05) and anxiety levels (c = −.02) were not significant; but the indirect effect of pregnancy planning on depression (Point Estimate = −.379, CI: −.523 to −.250) and anxiety levels (Point Estimate = −.560, CI: −.741 to −.385) with the mediating role of PERP were significant. Conclusions The results indicated that the effect of pregnancy planning on prenatal mental health is mediated by PERP, and in unplanned pregnancy women need to receive positive reaction of their partners toward pregnancy so that they can preserve their mental health.

Partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy mediates the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health

Background: An unplanned pregnancy may be followed by increased depression and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mediating role of partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy (PERP) on the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 healthy Iranian pregnant women during their third trimester. The levels of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The PERP score was also measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the plug-in application PROCESS macro. Results: The results showed that PERP score was reversely related to pregnancy planning and prenatal depression and anxiety. The direct effect of the pregnancy planning on depression (c=-.05) and anxiety levels (c= -.02) were not significant; but the indirect effect of pregnancy planning on depression (Point Estimate= -.379, CI: -.523 to -.250) and anxiety levels (Point Estimate=-.560, CI: -.741 to -.385) with the mediating role of PERP were significant. Conclusions: The results indicated that the effect of pregnancy planning on prenatal mental health is mediated by PERP, and in unplanned pregnancy women need to receive positive reaction of their partners toward pregnancy so that they can preserve their mental health.

Partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy mediates the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health

Background: An unplanned pregnancy may be followed by increased depression and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mediating role of partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy (PERP) on the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 healthy Iranian pregnant women during their third trimester. The levels of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The PERP score was also measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the plug-in application PROCESS macro.Results: The results showed that PERP score was reversely related to pregnancy planning and prenatal depression and anxiety. The direct effect of the pregnancy planning on depression (c=-.05) and anxiety levels (c= -.02) were not significant; but the indirect effect of pregnancy planning on depression (Point Estimate= -.379, CI: -.523 to -.250) and anxiety levels (Point Estimate=-.560, CI: -.741 to -.385) with the mediating role of PERP were significant. Conclusions: The results indicated that the effect of pregnancy planning on prenatal mental health is mediated by PERP, and in unplanned pregnancy women need to receive positive reaction of their partners toward pregnancy so that they can preserve their mental health.

Partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy mediates the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health

Background: An unplanned pregnancy may follow by increasing depression and anxiety and the aim of the present study was to evaluate the mediating role of partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy (PERP) on the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 healthy Iranian pregnant women during their third trimester. The levels of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Further, the PERP score was measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the plug-in application PROCESS macro. Results: The results showed that PERP score was related to pregnancy planning and prenatal depression and anxiety reversely. The direct effect of the pregnancy planning on depression (c=-.05) and anxiety levels (c= -.02) were not significant; but indirect effect of pregnancy planning on depression (Point Estimate= -.379, CI: -.523 to -.250) and anxiety levels (Point Estimate=-.560, CI: -.741 to -.385) with mediating role of PERP. were significant. Conclusions: The results indicated that the effect of the pregnancy planning on prenatal mental health is mediate by PERP and in unplanned pregnancy, women need to receive their positive partner’s reaction toward pregnancy to preserve their mental health.