Stress During Pregnancy: Impact and Potential Treatment

Two studies highlight the importance of maternal psychological well-being on birth outcomes.

Maternal stress and depression pose risks for preterm delivery. Investigators based at the Veterans Administration used the electronic medical record and data from the compulsory assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel to evaluate the association between active PTSD (within 1 year of delivery) or historical PTSD (prior diagnosis) and risk for preterm birth. Among >16,000 deliveries, 19% were to women with PTSD (including 12% with active PTSD). Risk for spontaneous preterm delivery was higher among women with active PTSD (9%) than those with historical PTSD (8%) or no PTSD (7%), and the excess risk persisted after adjustment for potential confounders. Most women with active PTSD had experienced military sexu…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)