Effects of Virtual Mindfulness Training Program on Pregnant Women’s Anxiety and Labor Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

Pregnant women experience varying amounts of pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA), which can be harmful to their health and hurt affect pregnancy during covid 19. To address this, virtual mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) have been created to promote maternal and newborn health by decreasing the harmful effects of anxiety. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a virtual mindfulness training program on pregnant women’s anxiety and labor outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Quasi experimental design was utilized( pre - post test among control and intervention group). Setting: This research was carried out at two settings in Egypt, namely at the antenatal clinics of the obstetrics and Gynecological Department of Mansoura University Hospitals and at obstetric , labor and gynecological departments of Minia university hospital for maternity and child. Sample: A purposive sample was obtained to achieve the aim of the study (an intervention and control group comprising 41 pregnant women each). Tools: Four tools were used before and after the virtual mindfulness program, namely a Structured Interview, a pregnancy related questionnaire to assess anxiety levels ; the five facets mindfulness questionnaire and finally follow up sheet which contains labor outcomes. Results: findings showed a significant difference in anxiety levels, the five facets of mindfulness between groups after implementation (control, intervention groups). Moreover, there was a difference regarding complications during delivery of neonatal health problems, and the type of feeding between both groups. Conclusion: Virtual mindfulness had appositive influence on decreasing level of anxiety, enhancing mindfulness and improving labor outcomes among pregnant women in intervention group in relation to control group post intervention Recommendations: generalization of virtual mindfulness program among pregnant women Covid -19 periods.