The Efficacy of Provider-Based Prenatal Interventions to Reduce Maternal Stress: A Systematic Review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of provider-led prenatal stress-reducing interventions, including mindfulness, in improving maternal stress and mood.
Results Summary
The study found that mindfulness, as part of group-based therapies integrating multiple approaches, showed an increased likelihood of improving maternal stress and mood, though efficacy varied by intervention type and stress targeted.
Population
Pregnant people in the U.S., especially those disproportionately affected by stress.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
skills-building | increase | mood and maternal stress | pregnant people | - | increased overall likelihood of improvement | #1 |
mindfulness | increase | mood and maternal stress | pregnant people | - | increased overall likelihood of improvement | #2 |
behavioral therapy | increase | mood and maternal stress | pregnant people | - | increased overall likelihood of improvement | #3 |
group support | increase | mood and maternal stress | pregnant people | - | increased overall likelihood of improvement | #4 |
group-based therapies that integrate resource allocation, skills-building, mindfulness, and/or behavioral therapy into an intersectional program | increase | mood and maternal stress | pregnant people | - | increased overall likelihood of improvement | #5 |
provider-based stress-reducing interventions | decrease | stress | pregnant people | - | few studies demonstrated a significant reduction | #6 |
PURPOSE: Exposure to stress during the prenatal period is often associated with adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes and is increasing in prevalence in the United States. Health care providers play a crucial role in addressing and mitigating this stress, but there is a lack of consensus regarding effective interventions. This review evaluates the effectiveness of prenatal provider-based interventions that reduce stress for pregnant people, especially those who are disproportionately affected by stress. METHODS: A search of relevant English-language literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and PyscInfo. Inclusion criteria were 1) the target population was pregnant people, 2) the intervention was delivered within the U.S. health care system, and 3) the study intervention had the goal of reducing stress (stress-reducing intervention). RESULTS: A total of 3,562 records were identified in the search and 23 were included in analysis. The four identified categories for provider-led stress-reducing prenatal interventions included in the review are 1) skills-building, 2) mindfulness, 3) behavioral therapy, and 4) group support. Findings suggest an increased overall likelihood of mood and maternal stress improvement among pregnant people who complete provider-based stress-reducing interventions, especially group-based therapies that integrate resource allocation, skills-building, mindfulness, and/or behavioral therapy into an intersectional program. However, the efficacy of each type of intervention varies by category and type of maternal stress targeted. CONCLUSIONS: Although few studies demonstrated a significant reduction in stress for pregnant people, this review highlights the critical need for increased research and attention to stress-reducing interventions in the prenatal period, especially as it pertains to minoritized populations.