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Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health 2/2012

01-04-2012 | Short Communication

Mindful pregnancy and childbirth: effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on women’s psychological distress and well-being in the perinatal period

Authors: Cassandra Dunn, Emma Hanieh, Rachel Roberts, Rosalind Powrie

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 2/2012

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Abstract

This pilot study explored the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group on pregnant women. Participants reported a decline in measures of depression, stress and anxiety; with these improvements continuing into the postnatal period. Increases in mindfulness and self-compassion scores were also observed over time. Themes identified from interviews describing the experience of participants were: ‘stop and think’, ‘prior experience or expectations’, ‘embracing the present’, ‘acceptance’ and ‘shared experience’. Childbirth preparation classes might benefit from incorporating training in mindfulness.
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Metadata
Title
Mindful pregnancy and childbirth: effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on women’s psychological distress and well-being in the perinatal period
Authors
Cassandra Dunn
Emma Hanieh
Rachel Roberts
Rosalind Powrie
Publication date
01-04-2012
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-012-0264-4

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