one pilot study shows promise for the potential of a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce negative affect and anxiety of women during pregnancy. based out of the california pacific medical center research institute, investigators dr. cassandra vieten and dr. john astin conducted a wait-list control pilot study that tested a group-based mindfulness intervention. there were 31 women enrolled in the study: 13 women were assigned to the intervention and 18 women were assigned to the control group. measures of anxiety, negative affect, positive affect, depression, mindfulness, perceived stress, and affect regulation were taken before intervention or control was assigned and after the intervention or control was completed. measures were repeated at a follow-up visit 3 months after the intervention or control was completed. the investigators found a significant decrease in anxiety (p<.05) and negative affect (p <.04) in women who completed the mindfulness based intervention, but not a significant decrease in depression, positive affect, mindfulness, affect regulation, and perceived stress. these results suggest that mindfulness intervention during pregnancy reduce anxiety and negative affect of mothers. this study is a promising start to the potential impact that mindfulness based interventions could have on reducing prenatal stress, and thereby improving child outcomes.