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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
06:39
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Anxiety disorders in pregnancy.
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, J Block, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7935, South Africa. bavanisha.vythilingum@uct.ac.za
Current Psychiatry Reports
|July 17, 2008
Summary
Many pregnant women experience anxiety disorders, impacting fetal health and increasing postnatal depression risk. Standard treatments are effective, with medication risks managed through careful management.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are increasingly recognized in pregnant women.
- A significant number of women experience anxiety symptoms during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy anxiety is linked to adverse fetal and infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of anxiety disorders during pregnancy.
- To discuss the implications of antenatal anxiety for maternal and infant health.
- To explore treatment options and considerations for anxiety in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on anxiety disorders in pregnancy.
- Analysis of associations between antenatal anxiety and pregnancy outcomes.
- Examination of treatment efficacy and safety profiles.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy anxiety is common and associated with negative fetal/infant outcomes.
- Antenatal anxiety is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression.
- Standard treatments for anxiety disorders show good response rates in pregnant populations.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety disorders during pregnancy require attention due to potential adverse outcomes.
- Effective management strategies exist, though literature is sparse.
- Pharmacotherapy risks can be mitigated with careful medication management during pregnancy.
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