Prenatal training may lower postpartum depression risk for mothers who have given birth before
A randomized trial tested prenatal affective cognitive training using computer and virtual reality sessions for pregnant women at higher risk of postpartum depression. Overall results did not reach statistical significance, but women who had previously given birth showed significantly better outcomes after training. The findings were presented at the ECNP Congress in Munich.
The trial randomized 147 expectant mothers in Copenhagen identified as higher risk for postpartum depression. They received either prenatal affective cognitive training or standard care. The program lasted five weeks and combined computer-based and virtual reality exercises focused on recognizing and reacting to infant emotional signals. Follow-up included 121 women.
Across the whole group, trained women did somewhat better, but the difference was not statistically significant. Among those who had given birth before, depression occurred in 5.3% of trained women versus 34.6% of untrained women. The results were presented at the ECNP Congress in Munich.
If confirmed, this training could offer an additional preventive option for pregnant women at risk, particularly those who have already given birth. It may encourage clinicians to consider emotional-processing support alongside standard prenatal care. Families might benefit from reduced maternal depression, though access, cost, and whether effects hold in broader groups remain uncertain. The findings may also stimulate larger trials before any wider adoption.