Effects of Maternal Role Preparation Training and Awareness-Centered Occupational Therapy Interventions on Psychosocial Parameters and Quality of Life in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Postpartum Follow-Up

ACOT is superior for anxiety, emotion regulation, and QoL; MRPT more effectively supports depression and coping. Occupational therapists may select approaches on the basis of individual psychosocial profiles during pregnancy. Plain-Language Summary: This study explored how two different occupational therapy programs helped pregnant women improve their emotional well-being. One program helped participants prepare for the maternal role with education and group discussions; the other program used activities that supported body awareness and emotional self-regulation. Women who took part in the awareness-based sessions had less anxiety and felt more in control of their emotions. Those in the maternal role group showed less depression and coped with stress more effectively. Both programs helped improve quality of life. These results suggest that occupational therapy can support emotional health during pregnancy.