Mindfulness training for pregnant women with high blood pressure

Abstract

Background: Hypertension during pregnancy is a prevalent complication in Indonesia. This condition heightens the risk of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. Mindfulness therapy, known for managing stress and anxiety, has shown promise in reducing blood pressure. However, studies focusing on its effects on pregnant women are limited. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing blood pressure among pregnant women with hypertension. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 24 pregnant women from community centers in Central Java. Participants received weekly 30-minute mindfulness sessions over eight weeks, modeled after the Mindfulness training. Blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention, and data were analyzed using independent t-tests. Results: The intervention led to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 133 mmHg to 124 mmHg (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 5.96), while the mean diastolic blood pressure decreased from 86.4 mmHg to 81.7 mmHg (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.77), indicating large effects of mindfulness therapy on reducing blood pressure. The large effect sizes observed suggest that mindfulness therapy could be a powerful intervention for managing blood pressure during pregnancy, potentially reducing risks associated with hypertensive disorders. Conclusion: Mindfulness therapy is an effective non-pharmacological approach for lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension. This study supports the integration of mindfulness practices into prenatal care for improving maternal health outcomes. Future research should involve larger and more diverse populations and explore the long-term effects of mindfulness on maternal and fetal health