Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Childbirth Self-Efficacy, Fear of Childbirth, and Self-Compassion in Primiparous Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Pregnancy is a period characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. Fear of childbirth, low childbirth self-efficacy, and difficulties in self-compassion may negatively affect maternal well-being and childbirth experiences. Mindfulness-based interventions have been increasingly used to support psychological health during pregnancy; however, evidence regarding their effects on childbirth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, and self-compassion remains limited.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention among primiparous pregnant women attending a pregnancy school affiliated with a Healthy Life Center in Ağrı, Türkiye. A total of 128 eligible pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.

Participants in the intervention group will receive a four-week mindfulness-based intervention consisting of eight sessions focused on breathing awareness, body awareness, emotional awareness, non-judgmental acceptance, self-compassion, and mindfulness-based coping strategies for childbirth preparation. Participants in the control group will continue to receive routine antenatal education and standard prenatal care.

Data will be collected before and after the intervention using validated instruments assessing childbirth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, and self-compassion. The results of this study may provide evidence for the integration of mindfulness-based approaches into antenatal care programs to enhance maternal psychological well-being and preparedness for childbirth.