The Impact of an Art Therapy Program During Antepartum Hospital Admission for High-Risk Pregnancy: Results of a Six-Month Pilot Program

Background and objective Antepartum hospitalization for maternal or obstetric complications is associated with increased depression and anxiety, potentially leading to postpartum mental health challenges and elevated parenting stress. While various therapeutic interventions have shown efficacy in reducing distress associated with antepartum hospitalization, the role of art therapy has not been adequately studied in this high-risk pregnant population. This study aimed to address it and fill the gaps in the data. Materials and methods This prospective, single-arm intervention trial evaluated the impact of a twice-weekly art therapy program on emotional well-being and distress in hospitalized high-risk pregnant patients. Participants completed validated stress and emotional impact assessments via the Antepartum Bedrest Emotional Impact Inventory (ABEII) and the Antepartum Hospital Stressors Inventory (AHSI) before and after the intervention. Results Among 33 eligible patients, 22 participated in up to 15 art therapy sessions, with 15 study subjects (68%) completing a post-discharge survey. Art therapy participants reported significantly lower post-intervention stress levels compared to baseline, particularly related to separation from home and family, and expressed greater satisfaction with hospital support compared to a historical cohort. Conclusions Our findings suggest that art therapy may help mitigate stress and improve emotional well-being in hospitalized antepartum patients. Larger studies are warranted to confirm its therapeutic value.