The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes in Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The 13 studies used different mindfulness programmes, session lengths, and measurement tools, and heterogeneity was high (I² = 87%), so the pooled result may not apply to any single programme. The funnel plot was asymmetric, suggesting possible publication bias and overly small sample sizes. Nearly all studies used single-blind outcome measures, and attrition rates ranged from 6% to 27%, which may have affected the results. Only English studies of singleton pregnancies without physical or psychological complications were included, so the findings may not apply to higher-risk or multiple pregnancies. The review did not examine trimester, parity, age, or cultural factors, and it did not include qualitative studies, so it cannot say which women benefit most or what participants experienced. Three of the 13 studies were quasi-experimental, not randomized.

Do not conclude that mindfulness-based programmes treat depression in pregnancy. The pooled analysis showed no significant effect on depression, and the reported benefit was limited to stress and anxiety.