Impact of mindfulness based stress reduction program on prenatal anxiety, depression and sleep quality among primigravida women

Background: Prenatal anxiety and depression are common mental health concerns that can significantly affect sleep quality among primigravida women. Addressing these issues is crucial for promoting maternal well-being and healthy pregnancy outcomes. Aim of study: Investigate the impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on prenatal anxiety, depression, and sleep quality among primigravida women. Subjects and method: A quasi-experimental study design was applied. The study was conducted at the Medical Center in New Damietta. The studied subjects, encompassing 50 primigravida women, were recruited using a purposive technique. Data collection tools: A self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection, which consisted of four parts which were; Personal Characteristics Data Sheet, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire–Revised, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: The study revealed that 28% of the pregnant women had severe anxiety at pre-intervention phase, compared to all of them improved from sever anxiety post-intervention, 90% of them had moderate depression in pre-intervention, compared to 34% of them had moderate depression in post- intervention, and 82% of them had poor sleep quality in pre-intervention, compared to 34% of them had poor sleep quality post- intervention. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based stress reduction program significantly reduces anxiety and depression while improving sleep quality during pregnancy. Recommendation: Healthcare providers should incorporate mindfulness-based interventions into routine prenatal care to support maternal mental health and well-being. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of mindfulness-based interventions on maternal and neonatal health, including postpartum outcomes.