Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and anxiety in pregnant women
1Fazilat Jamala, 2Gulmeena Ali, 3Masooma Yasmin, 4Shafqat Jamala, 5Kashif Lodhi, 6Dr Muhammad Sami Bilal
1Assist Prof OBGYN, North West General Hospital and Research Center, Hayatabad, Peshawar 2Medical Student at Gomal Medical College 3Women & childcare Parachinar.
4Institusion doctor,Larvik Helsehus.
5Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences. Università Politécnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona (AN) Italy. 6Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, CPSP Karachi
Vol: 15/02
Received: January 25, 2025 Accepted: March 02, 2025 Published: July 06, 2025
ABSTRACT:
Background: Pregnancy-related stress and anxiety can have adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health. MBIs, rooted in mindfulness meditation, promote present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. These practices have shown promise in reducing stress and anxiety across various populations, but their impact on pregnant women remains an area of active research. Aim: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in reducing stress and anxiety in pregnant women. Methodology: The study was conducted in Health Ways Hospital OTS road Kohat. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a sample of pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness intervention group or a control group. The mindfulness intervention consisted of guided mindfulness exercises tailored to the needs of pregnant women, conducted over a period of eight weeks. The control group received standard prenatal care without mindfulness components. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of stress and anxiety levels were conducted using standardized scales. Results: The results indicated a significant reduction in both stress and anxiety levels among pregnant women who participated in the mindfulness intervention compared to the control group. The mindfulness group exhibited improved emotional well-being and reported enhanced coping mechanisms. These findings suggest that Mindfulness-Based Interventions can be a valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in reducing stress and anxiety among pregnant women. Incorporating mindfulness practices into prenatal care holds the potential to enhance the overall well-being of both expectant mothers and their unborn children. Further research could explore the long-term effects of such interventions and their impact on birth outcomes. Keywords: Mindfulness-Based Interventions, pregnancy, stress, anxiety, prenatal care, mindfulness meditation, emotional well-being, randomized controlled trial.