Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention during pregnancy changes maternal brain.
Scientific reports July 1, 2025 Yvan Gomez, Ayako Nakaki, Allegra Conti et al. 3 citations
An 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal brain structure and chemistry. Pregnant women who completed the program showed larger surface area in the right superior frontal region and higher concentrations of the metabolite myo-inositol compared to those receiving usual care. Higher scores on mindfulness facets of non-judgmental and non-reactivity were also linked to larger frontal area. These findings suggest the intervention may influence the maternal brain in the third trimester.