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Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Prenatal depression restricts fetal growth
Miguel A Diego1, Tiffany Field, Maria Hernandez-Reif
1Touch Research Institutes, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA. mdiego@med.miami.edu
Early Human Development
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Prenatal depression increases risks for premature delivery and low birthweight. Maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy may mediate these adverse fetal growth outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Prenatal depression is a significant concern impacting maternal and fetal well-being.
- Understanding the physiological mechanisms linking maternal depression to fetal development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prenatal depression and fetal growth restriction.
- To explore the role of maternal cortisol levels as a mediator in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 depressed and 40 non-depressed pregnant women were assessed.
- Midgestation fetal weight, urine cortisol, and birth outcomes (birthweight, gestational age) were collected.
- Fetal growth rates were calculated using estimated fetal weight and birthweight data.
Main Results:
- Depressed women exhibited higher rates of premature delivery (OR=2.61) and low birthweight (OR=4.75).
- Elevated prenatal cortisol levels were observed in depressed women, associated with smaller fetuses and slower growth rates.
- Cortisol levels mediated the link between maternal depression and gestational age/fetal growth rate, explaining 30% and 14% of the variance, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal depression is linked to adverse perinatal outcomes, including premature delivery and restricted fetal growth.
- Prenatal maternal cortisol levels are implicated as a mediating factor in these adverse outcomes.
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