Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

Georgios C Soultanopoulos; Judith J Idzenga; Astrid M Kamperman; Maria G van Pampus; Johannes C F Ket; Jens Henrichs; Corine J M Verhoeven

doi:10.1080/0167482x.2026.2714888

PubMed · 42578412

Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

Georgios C Soultanopoulos·Judith J Idzenga·Astrid M Kamperman·Maria G van Pampus·Johannes C F Ket·Jens Henrichs·Corine J M Verhoeven

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women experienced increased psychological distress, while access to routine mental health care was often disrupted. Psychological interventions may provide an effective strategy to support maternal mental health under these circumstances. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of psychological interventions for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing distress and enhancing resilience. METHODS: A systematic search of four databases was conducted up to 3 September 2025. Randomised and non-randomised studies evaluating psychological interventions during pregnancy were included. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and other psychological approaches delivered through individual, group, digital, or hybrid formats. Most studies reported reductions in depression, anxiety, or stress, and some found improvements in resilience-related factors. However, the methodological quality was modest; with heterogeneous outcome measures and limited follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, psychological interventions adapted for digital or hybrid delivery show promise for improving maternal emotional well-being in times of crises. The findings suggest that accessible and scalable psychological interventions may support maternal mental health during crisis situations when routine care is disrupted. Future research should prioritize larger, methodologically rigorous trials with standardized outcomes, and longer follow-up periods.

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Humans Female Pregnancy COVID-19 Resilience, Psychological Psychosocial Intervention Mental Health Pregnant People Pregnancy Complications Stress, Psychological perinatal mental health pregnancy psychological interventions resilience Journal Article Systematic Review

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Georgios C Soultanopoulos, Judith J Idzenga, Astrid M Kamperman, Maria G van Pampus, Johannes C F Ket, Jens Henrichs, Corine J M Verhoeven. 2026-08-11. Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482x.2026.2714888

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Journal Article; Systematic Review resource COVID-19 subject Female subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Mental Health subject Systematic reviews study perinatal mental health subject

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