A Meta-Analytic Review of The Impact of Preksha Meditation on Maternal Stress, Emotional Regulation, And Prenatal Development

Abstract

Maternal stress and emotional dysregulation during pregnancy are strongly associated with adverse prenatal and neonatal outcomes, creating an urgent need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions. Preksha Meditation—an Indian contemplative system emphasizing breath awareness, color perception (lesyā dhyāna), relaxation (kāyotsarga), and cognitive reflection (anuprekṣā)—has been increasingly applied in maternal health contexts, yet its effects have not been systematically synthesized. This meta-analytic review integrates evidence from qualitative studies, mixed-methods research, and controlled trials to examine the impact of Preksha Meditation on maternal psychological well-being and prenatal developmental indicators. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across major databases, and studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were synthesized using both thematic meta-synthesis and quantitative effect-size estimation when available. Findings indicate consistent qualitative evidence of reduced perceived stress, enhanced emotional regulation, improved interoceptive awareness, and strengthened maternal–fetal bonding among women practicing Preksha Meditation. Quantitative findings, where reported, suggest moderate reductions in stress-related outcomes and improvements in mood and physiological indicators, though heterogeneity of study designs limits statistical generalization. The integrated evidence supports Preksha Meditation as a promising, culturally grounded maternal intervention that may positively influence psychological functioning and contribute to a more favorable prenatal environment. Implications for antenatal care, clinical practice, and future multidisciplinary research are discussed.