Overview
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week mindfulness meditation program in pregnant women, compared with a psychological support control program.
Participants in the mindfulness arm will complete one instructor-led meditation session per week and five guided audio meditation sessions at home each week.
The primary objectives are to determine whether the mindfulness program leads to:
Reduced negative affect, including stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances during pregnancy.
Increased positive affect, such as mindfulness skills, self-efficacy, happiness, and life satisfaction.
Enhanced maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy and improved maternal-infant attachment one month postpartum.
Improved mother-infant interaction quality at 3 months postpartum.
More secure infant attachment at 12 months.
Better infant outcomes, including reduced crying intensity/duration at 1 and 3 months, and improved sleep quality at 12 months.
Overall, the study evaluates whether the mindfulness program provides greater benefits than a standard parenting support intervention.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant women between 3 and 7.5 months of gestation (12-28 weeks).
- Ability to speak and read French sufficient to understand study documents and complete questionnaires.
- Willingness to participate in the study and to be randomized to one of the study groups.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Loss of the baby
- Participation in other prenatal support programs, including prenatal yoga, haptonomy, sophrology, or mindfulness courses.
- Severe or unstable psychiatric disorder. Inability to understand French or complete study questionnaires.