Effectiveness of an Online Biopsychosocial Intervention to Improve Well-being and Mental Health During Pregnancy

Summary

This study aims to develop and implement a preventive intervention through a mobile application to help pregnant women feel better emotionally and cope with the changes of pregnancy in a more positive way. The idea is to offer practical and accessible tools that allow them to better manage stress, emotions and preparation for motherhood. The intervention proposed in this study is based on psychological strategies that have proven to be effective, such as relaxation exercises, techniques to manage stress and strategies to improve mood, strengthen the relationship with the partner and foster the bond with the baby before its birth.

The application is designed to accompany pregnant women from the beginning of pregnancy to the postpartum period. It has different programs that include weekly activities on various important topics, such as physical health care, emotional management, connection with the baby during pregnancy, preparation for childbirth and the first months of the newborn's life.

To evaluate the effectiveness of this tool, a study will be carried out with pregnant women treated by the Catalan Health Service. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups: the experimental group (in which participants, in addition to the usual medical care offered during pregnancy, will have access to the programs and activities of the app organized in a weekly plan of 5 activities and will have to answer the study questionnaires at weeks 16 and 36 of pregnancy and postpartum) or the control group (in which participants will receive the usual medical care offered during pregnancy, but will not have access to the programs and activities of the app and will have to answer the study questionnaires at weeks 16 and 36 of pregnancy and postpartum).

Women who use the app are expected to experience greater emotional well-being and a lower risk of developing mental health problems during pregnancy. In addition, they may feel more prepared for motherhood, take better care of their health, have a more positive birth experience and a lower risk of postpartum depression. These women are also expected to develop a stronger bond with their baby and adapt better to the new stage of motherhood.

Conditions

• Prenatal Anxiety
• Prenatal Depression
• Wellbeing
• Obstetrical Complications
• Postnatal Depression

Interventions

OTHER

Biopsychosocial Cognitive Behavioral Intervention

The study intervention is based on a biopsychosocial approach (considers the interaction between: biological factors such as physical health, fetal development and physiological changes; psychological factors such as stress management, emotions and thoughts; and social factors such as couple relationships, social support and the maternal role) with cognitive-behavioral strategies designed to promote comprehensive well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum. Techniques such as psychoeducation, reflection and self-observation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, stress inoculation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualizations and mindfulness are applied. The program consists of 10 modules focused on different areas: introduction to the study, mindfulness and breathing techniques, physical and mental health at different stages of pregnancy, fetal development and prenatal attachment, couple relationship, preparation for childbirth and postpartum, and care of the newborn.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Rovira i Virgili

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Carmen Hernández Martínez, Doctor · University Rovira i Virgili

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-03

Primary Completion

2026-04-30

Completion

2026-09-30

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations