The Effectiveness of Mobile Health (mHealth)-Based Educational Interventions in Improving Knowledge and Health Behaviors Among Pregnant Women
Abstract
Background: Mobile health (mHealth) can extend antenatal education beyond clinic visits, but its effects differ across educational, behavioral, and clinical outcomes. This structured literature review synthesized quantitative evidence on mHealth-based educational interventions for pregnant women. Methods: A targeted search of PubMed and publisher journal pages, supplemented by reference chaining, emphasized peer-reviewed studies published from 2016 through September 2026. Eligible studies involved pregnant women, used a mobile or web-enabled channel for education or behavior support, and reported a comparator, pre-post assessment, or controlled design. Thirteen controlled studies with verifiable quantitative findings formed the primary synthesis; systematic reviews and WHO guidance were used for contextual interpretation. No individual-level data were analyzed and no pooled effect was calculated. Results: The most consistent benefits were observed for pregnancy knowledge, health literacy, self-care knowledge-attitude-practice, patient activation, and selected preventive behaviors. Examples included improved danger-sign knowledge and birth preparedness in Tanzania, higher iron-folic acid consumption following daily WhatsApp education in Indonesia, improved health-promoting lifestyle scores in Indonesia and Iran, and substantial nutrition-literacy gains with Taiwan’s i-PregMom application. Effects on physical activity, gestational weight gain, supplement adherence, and maternal-perinatal outcomes were heterogeneous, with several trials reporting null findings for specific outcomes. Conclusion: mHealth-based education is best positioned as an adjunct to antenatal care. Interventions appear more promising when content is tailored to gestational stage and local context, repeated, interactive, theory-informed, and linked to feedback or professional support. Longer follow-up and standardized maternal-perinatal outcomes are needed.