Table 1 Overview of Studies on Psychological Interventions for Reduction of FoC and Pregnancy-related Anxiety

Duncan & Bardacke (2010) [40] United States of America.

Uncontrolled pre- and post-study. (n = 27). Community sample of pregnant women.

Nine 3-hours group sessions of MBCP led by a midwife -mindfulness instructor.

Reduced anxiety (PAS) with a large effect within the EI group: Cohen’s d = 0.81, p < 0.0001

Fontein et al. (2016) [38] The Netherlands.

Non-randomized trial. (n = 433). Pregnant women with maternal distress.

WazzUp Mama?! internet-delivered programme supported by midwives vs. CAU.

EI > CAU reduced anxiety (PRAQ) with a moderate effect between the groups: Cohen’s d = 0.64, p < 0.001

Goodman et al. (2014) [41] United States of America.

Uncontrolled pre- and post-study. (n = 23). Pregnant women with anxiety symptoms.

Eight 2-hours group sessions of CALM led by a mindfulness instructor.

Reduced anxiety (BAI) with a large effect within the EI group: Cohen’s d = 0.83, p < 0.001

Guardino et al. (2014) [42] United States of America.

Randomized controlled trial. (n = 47). Pregnant women with stress.

Six 2-hours group sessions of MAPS led by a mindfulness instructor vs. CAU.

EI > CAU reduced anxiety (PSA) with a large effect between the groups: Cohen’s d = 0.77, p < 0.05

Nieminen et al. (2016) [39] Sweden.

Prospective cohort study. (n = 28). Nulliparous pregnant women with sever FoC.

Eight weeks ICBT programme supported by a therapist.

Reduced FoC (W-DEQ-A) with a large effect within the EI group: Cohen’s d = 0.95, p < 0.0005

Rouhe et al. (2012) [36] Sweden.

Randomized controlled trial. (n = 371). Pregnant women with a sever FoC.

Six 2-hours session of psychoeducational group therapy led by psychologists vs. CAU.

EI > CAU reduced FoC (W-DEQ-B) with a small effect between the groups: Cohen’s d = 0.35, p = 0.02

Thoohill et al. (2014) [37] Australie.

Randomized controlled trial. (n = 198). Pregnant women reporting FoC.

Two psychoeducational telephone sessions led by trained midwives vs. CAU.

EI > CAU reduced FoC (W-DEQ-A) with a moderate effect between the groups: Cohen’s d = 0.59, p < 0.001

Vieten & Astin (2008) [43] United States of America.

Randomized controlled waitlist trial. (n = 31). Pregnant women with mood concerns.

Eight 2-hours group sessions of Mindful Motherhood led by a psychologist-mindfulness instructor vs. CAU.

EI > CAU reduced anxiety (STAI) with a large effect between the groups: Cohen’s d = 0.85, p < 0.04