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

NCT ID NCT07380061

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Washington

    Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States