Effects of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) Program Among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) program in improving the mental well-being of pregnant women as compared to an attention-matched active control group (i.e., an Antenatal Childbirth Education and Support program). Method This was a two-arm 1:1 randomized controlled trial with 183 pregnant women in Hong Kong. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T1), at the last prenatal session (T2), 6–8 weeks postpartum (T3), and 6 months postpartum (T4). The primary outcome was the Mental Component Score (MCS) of the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) at T4. Secondary outcomes included depressive and anxiety symptoms, stress, catastrophizing thoughts about pain, disordered mother–infant relationships, mindfulness, and clinical outcomes related to childbirth. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used as the primary analysis based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Results MBCP demonstrated superiority over the control at T4 in improving mental health–related quality of life (increased MCS score), reducing depression symptoms and state anxiety, and increasing mindfulness levels at T2, T3, and T4. No significant differences were shown in other outcomes. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions MBCP showed positive mental health effects and was perceived as a safe intervention for pregnant women in Hong Kong. Future studies may look into its mechanisms and cost-effectiveness. Pre registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-TRC-13004070.