Long-term effects of a prenatal mindfulness intervention on depressive symptoms in a diverse sample of women.

What is it about?

In this study, 162 racially and ethnically diverse pregnant women were assigned to an 8-week mindfulness intervention (MIND) or treatment as usual (TAU). Symptoms of depression were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-, 2-, 3-4, 5-, 6- and 8 years from baseline. Before the intervention, there were no differences in depression between women in the mindfulness group compared to women in the treatment as usual group. At all of the follow-up assessment through 8 years, depressive symptoms were significantly lower among women in MIND compared to TAU. By Year 8, 12% of women in MIND reported moderate or more severe depressive symptoms compared to 25% of women in TAU.

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Photo by Alex Pasarelu on Unsplash

Photo by Alex Pasarelu on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study highlights the potential for long-lasting benefits of a brief psychosocial, group-based intervention during pregnancy on women’s depressive symptoms for 8 years. In light of the economic and social burden of maternal depression and its potential impact on offspring, our findings suggest a modest investment during pregnancy may support well-being across two generations.