Mindful pregnancy and childbirth: effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on women’s psychological distress and well-being in the perinatal period

This pilot study explored the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group on pregnant women. Participants
reported a decline in measures of depression, stress and anxiety; with these improvements continuing into the postnatal period.
Increases in mindfulness and self-compassion scores were also observed over time. Themes identified from interviews describing
the experience of participants were: ‘stop and think’, ‘prior experience or expectations’, ‘embracing the present’, ‘acceptance’
and ‘shared experience’. Childbirth preparation classes might benefit from incorporating training in mindfulness.