Which interventions are better to reduce prenatal depression? Original paper

In this network meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials that included 3,051 pregnant women (average ages of 27–30), yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy were the most effective for preventing prenatal depression, relative to 12 other interventions.

•Yoga

This Study Summary was published on April 21, 2025.

The study

The interventions were grouped into 14 categories — including yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, Pilates, and mindfulness — and lasted 4 to 32 weeks. The control intervention was standard care in 13 trials and no intervention in 6 trials.

Compared to standard care, yoga and cognitive behavioural therapy were effective for preventing prenatal depression, with large effect sizes (low certainty of evidence).

Eight studies had a high risk of bias, 8 had some concerns of bias, and 4 had a low risk of bias.

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The results

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This Study Summary was published on April 21, 2025.