Texting a mentor may ease anxiety after childbirth, small study finds

NCT ID NCT07380061

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a program where pregnant people could text with a trained peer mentor for support. 127 participants in Washington state were split into two groups: one could text a mentor, the other got automated messages. The mentor group had lower anxiety six weeks after giving birth, but no significant differences were seen for depression or parenting stress. The program was well-liked, but larger studies are needed to confirm the benefits.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: peer mentor text messaging program
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to support mental health during pregnancy and after birth.
What could go wrong: This was a small pilot study, so results are preliminary. The program did not show clear benefits for depression or parenting stress, and more research is needed.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

perinatal asphyxia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARENTING STRESS PERINATAL ANXIETY PERINATAL DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

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