Pregnant women with higher levels of dispositional mindfulness, particularly those who are non-judgmentally aware, report fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. A study of 535 women in their 26th week of pregnancy identified three mindfulness profiles: low mindfulness (53.8%), moderate mindfulness (34.3%), and non-judgmentally aware (11.9%). Compared to the low mindfulness group, women in the moderate and non-judgmentally aware profiles had fewer depression and anxiety symptoms, and these relationships were partly explained by higher dyadic satisfaction with their partner. Analyzing a pregnant woman's mindfulness profile may help tailor prevention and intervention efforts for anxiety and depression.
Higher levels of non-judging mindfulness during pregnancy predicted reduced depression symptoms at two weeks postpartum, and higher non-judging mindfulness at two weeks postpartum predicted lessened depression symptoms at six weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy predicted reduced mindfulness capacities (non-judging and non-reactivity) in the postpartum period. The findings highlight a reciprocal relationship between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, suggesting that promoting mindfulness during pregnancy may help prevent and manage postpartum mood disorders.