Mindfulness-Based Interventions During Pregnancy and Long-Term Effects on Postpartum Depression and Maternal Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

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; I ² = 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.