Pilot Trial of CenteringPregnancy With Mindfulness Skills

In the U.S., rates of preterm birth and low birth weight have increased over the past 30
years. Poor birth outcomes are especially high among racial/ethnic minority populations.
Maternal stress is an important factor that can lead to negative birth outcomes. Thus,
programs that reduce stress during pregnancy could improve birth outcomes. Initial pilot
work tested a mindfulness-based approach to stress reduction during pregnancy. Women in the
pilot study had lower stress and improved coping after the program. For the current study,
mindfulness is added to an existing prenatal healthcare program called CenteringPregnancy
(CP). CP provides prenatal care through 10 group sessions. This study compares CP with a
version of CP infused with mindfulness skills training. Effects of the two versions of CP on
psychological stress and coping, stress hormones, and birth outcomes will be tested. Data
will be collected from participants three times: twice during pregnancy and once after
birth. Medical records will provide data on birth outcomes and other health factors. The
study will provide initial information about a mind-body program to reduce stress and
improve birth outcomes. Data from the study will inform the development of an R01 proposal
for a larger study. The study will also help advance the long term goal of reducing health
disparities.