PPubMed2 Sep 2026

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

Sudjit Liblub, Karen McLaughlin, Kirsty Pringle, Allison Cummins

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel combined peer support and mindfulness application intervention for pregnant women. Key feasibility findings included: low recruitment rates (particularly in pregnant women at risk of anxiety and/or depression), 100% retention, high acceptability based on participant satisfaction, and a statistically significant between-group difference in post-intervention stress (to be interpreted with caution). No statistically significant within-group pre-to-post changes were observed for any psychological outcome. However, qualitative findings suggest

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A four‑week peer‑support plus Headspace mindfulness program was feasible for pregnant women (13 participants, 100% retention) and lowered stress, but larger controlled trials are needed.

What’s new

i.Demonstrated feasibility and high retention (100%) of a combined peer‑support and mindfulness app intervention in pregnancy
ii.Provided preliminary evidence of stress reduction (median stress scores 22→8 in general group) compared to priority group
iii.Collected both self‑report (DASS‑21, FFMQ‑15, MSPSS) and biological (salivary cortisol) data to assess impact
iv.Gathered qualitative feedback highlighting emotional support and acceptability
v.Informed design considerations (sample size, recruitment phases) for future powered RCTs

How they did it

A non‑randomized quasi‑experimental pre‑post study recruited 13 pregnant women (two phases: priority and general) from an antenatal clinic in NSW, Australia. Participants attended four weekly 1‑hour peer‑support sessions and used the Headspace mindfulness app. Pre‑ and post‑intervention measures included DASS‑21, FFMQ‑15, MSPSS, and salivary cortisol; statistical analyses used Wilcoxon signed‑rank and Mann‑Whitney U tests, with open‑ended survey responses analysed by content analysis.

What they found

13 participants completed the study (100% retention)
Significant stress reduction in the general group versus priority group (median IQR: 22 [14‑30] vs 8 [2‑20]; p<0.05)
No significant changes in anxiety, depression, mindfulness, or perceived social support (p>0.05)
Qualitative feedback indicated increased emotional support, connectedness, and willingness to recommend the program

Caveats

✕Very small sample size (n=13) limits statistical power and generalizability
✕Absence of a control/comparator group prevents causal inference
✕Short intervention duration (4 weeks) and limited follow‑up
✕Self‑reported outcomes and lack of objective tracking of app usage/home practice

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