Mindfulness and Cardiometabolic Health During Pregnancy: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Cardiometabolic health during pregnancy has potential to influence long-term chronic disease risk for both mother and offspring. Mindfulness practices have been associated with improved cardiometabolic health in non-pregnant populations. The objective was to evaluate diverse studies that explored relationships between prenatal mindfulness and maternal cardiometabolic health. Method An integrative review was conducted in January 2023 across five databases to identify and evaluate studies of diverse methodologies and data types. Quantitative studies that examined mindfulness as an intervention or exposure variable during pregnancy and reported any of the following outcomes were considered: gestational weight gain (GWG), blood glucose, insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, inflammation, blood pressure, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Qualitative studies were included if they evaluated knowledge, attitudes, or practices of mindfulness in relation to the above-mentioned outcomes during pregnancy. Results Fifteen eligible studies were identified, and 4 received a “Good” quality rating (1/7 interventional, 1/5 observational, 2/2 qualitative). Qualitative studies revealed interest among pregnant women in mindfulness-based practices for managing GWG. Some beneficial effects of mindfulness interventions on maternal glucose tolerance and blood pressure were identified, but not for other cardiometabolic outcomes. Observational studies revealed null direct associations between maternal trait mindfulness and cardiometabolic parameters, but one study suggests potential for mindful eating to mitigate excess GWG and insulin resistance. Conclusions There currently exists limited quality evidence for mindfulness practices to support prenatal cardiometabolic health. Further rigorous studies are required to understand whether prenatal mindfulness-based interventions, either alone or in combination with other lifestyle modalities, can benefit cardiometabolic health. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.