Maternal stress during pregnancy and postpartum poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. This chapter synthesizes empirical evidence on the efficacy of four non-pharmacological interventions—mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and relaxation training—in reducing maternal stress and improving maternal-fetal outcomes. MBIs demonstrate robust effects on psychological outcomes and physiological stress markers, such as reduced cortisol levels and improved autonomic regulation, while also enhancing childbirth experiences. CBT effectively mitigates perinatal depression and anxiety, benefits offspring neurodevelopment, and now enhances its accessibility and adaptability through partner-inclusive and digital formats. IPT addresses interpersonal stressors and role transitions, showing rapid symptom relief, though long-term efficacy requires further validation. Relaxation training, including yoga and guided imagery, reduces physiological stress and may lower preterm birth risks. Despite their promise, challenges such as adherence disparities and cultural adaptability persist. The chapter underscores the need for longitudinal studies, comparative effectiveness research, and scalable implementations, especially in low-resource settings. Integrating these interventions into perinatal care offers a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of intergenerational stress transmission and promoting equitable maternal and child health outcomes.

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Scientific Interventions to Reduce Maternal Stress: Improvement of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

  • Ling Li Leng,
  • Wenhan Xiao,
  • Xiye He

摘要

Maternal stress during pregnancy and postpartum poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. This chapter synthesizes empirical evidence on the efficacy of four non-pharmacological interventions—mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and relaxation training—in reducing maternal stress and improving maternal-fetal outcomes. MBIs demonstrate robust effects on psychological outcomes and physiological stress markers, such as reduced cortisol levels and improved autonomic regulation, while also enhancing childbirth experiences. CBT effectively mitigates perinatal depression and anxiety, benefits offspring neurodevelopment, and now enhances its accessibility and adaptability through partner-inclusive and digital formats. IPT addresses interpersonal stressors and role transitions, showing rapid symptom relief, though long-term efficacy requires further validation. Relaxation training, including yoga and guided imagery, reduces physiological stress and may lower preterm birth risks. Despite their promise, challenges such as adherence disparities and cultural adaptability persist. The chapter underscores the need for longitudinal studies, comparative effectiveness research, and scalable implementations, especially in low-resource settings. Integrating these interventions into perinatal care offers a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of intergenerational stress transmission and promoting equitable maternal and child health outcomes.