Supporting mental health during pregnancy: The feasibility of a combined peer support and mindfulness intervention, a quasi-experimental pre-post feasibility study.

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a critical period of heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. Peer support and mindfulness have individually shown promise as non-pharmacological perinatal mental health strategies, yet their combined potential remains underexplored. This study evaluated the feasibility of a novel intervention integrating peer support with a mindfulness application.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post feasibility design was conducted between April 2024 and January 2025 at an antenatal clinic in a public hospital in New South Wales, Australia, using convenience sampling across two sequential recruitment phases. The 4-week intervention combined mutual peer support sessions with guided mindfulness practice via the Headspace app, enrolling pregnant women at elevated risk of anxiety and depression (priority group) and those from the general pregnant population. Validated self-report measures (DASS-21, FFMQ-15, MSPSS) and salivary cortisol samples were collected pre- and post-intervention. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests examined within- and between-group changes; open-ended post-intervention survey responses were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Thirteen pregnant women participated, achieving a 100% retention rate despite recruitment challenges. A statistically significant reduction in stress was observed in the general group compared to the priority group (median [IQR]: 22 [14-30] vs 8 [2-20]; p<0.050). No significant pre-to-post changes were found in anxiety, depression, mindfulness, or perceived social support in either group (p>0.05). Qualitative findings highlighted that the intervention fostered emotional support, connectedness, and mindfulness engagement, with participants expressing willingness to recommend the program.

Conclusions: Combining peer support with a mindfulness application appears feasible and acceptable for pregnant women and warrants evaluation in adequately powered randomized controlled trials.