Psychological interventions may reduce depression and anxiety in pregnant women during crises
A systematic review of 16 studies found that psychological interventions—including cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and psychoeducation—were associated with reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, with digital and hybrid formats showing particular promise.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women faced heightened psychological distress while access to routine mental health care became disrupted. Researchers conducted a systematic review of 16 randomised and non-randomised studies examining psychological interventions delivered during pregnancy in this context.
The interventions included cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, psychoeducation, and other psychological strategies, delivered through individual, group, digital, or hybrid formats. Most studies reported reductions in depression, anxiety, or stress symptoms, and some found improvements in resilience-related factors. However, the methodological quality was modest overall, with heterogeneous outcome measures and limited follow-up data, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about specific intervention types. The review concluded that psychological interventions adapted for digital or hybrid delivery show promise for supporting maternal emotional well-being during crisis periods when traditional care pathways are disrupted. Future research needs larger, more rigorous trials with standardized outcome measures and longer follow-up periods.
The review synthesized evidence from mixed study designs (both randomised and non-randomised), which limits confidence in individual intervention effects, yet the consistent pattern of symptom reduction across CBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducational formats suggests a robust signal. Digital and hybrid delivery emerged as especially valuable for maternal populations during access barriers, though the review did not isolate which delivery mode was superior. Resilience improvements were noted in some studies, though measured inconsistently—suggesting maternal mental health interventions during crisis may strengthen not just symptom relief but adaptive capacity. The heterogeneity in outcomes and modest methodological quality mean effect sizes cannot be directly compared to pre-pandemic perinatal mental health interventions; future research will clarify whether crisis-adapted formats are equally potent when routine care is available. Notably, the review did not identify unsafe interventions, indicating these approaches are low-risk complements to standard care.
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Open in Cadence →References
- Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. — Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology (Read the original)