The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the somatic, cognitive, behavioral anxiety and quality of sleep of pregnant mothers

Pregnancy is one of the most important phases of a woman’s reproductive cycle and is considered a natural process for them. Nevertheless, due to changes in psychological and social domains, it can be accompanied by mood and anxiety disorders. So, the aim of this study was to investigate mindfulness based on stress reduction for somatic, cognitive, behavioral anxiety and sleep quality in pregnant mothers.

Methods and Materials: 

The paper was an experimental study based on control and treatment groups with pre-test and post- test in which 60 eligible pregnant mothers were elected from Amin hospital in Isfahan who randomly assigned, in two groups of 30 people .Pre-test was performed for both two groups by somatic, cognitive, behavioral anxiety inventory (SCBI) and Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI). The treatment group for 8 sessions of 2/5 hours (once a week) was placed under the training of mindfulness-based on stress reduction intervention. Afterwards, the post-test was done for both groups. The obtained data were analyzed by statistical tests such as independent and paired T-Test using SPSS software version 25.

The findings indicate that MBSR had effect on anxiety and sleep quality of pregnant women (P<0/05).

Based on results, it could be said that mindfulness based on stress reduction intervention can have positive impact on anxiety and somatic, cognitive, behavioral and sleep quality of pregnant women. So, it seems necessary to consider the role of this intervention by health professionals and therapists in maternal health centers.