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Updated: Jun 20, 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
Psychosocial stress during pregnancy
Sarah M Woods1, Jennifer L Melville, Yuqing Guo
1University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 22, 2009
Summary
High antenatal psychosocial stress is common in pregnant women. Factors like depression, panic disorder, drug use, domestic violence, and medical issues are linked to increased stress levels during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Antenatal psychosocial stress is a significant concern during pregnancy.
- Understanding associated factors is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with high antenatal psychosocial stress.
- To describe the trajectory of psychosocial stress throughout pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of registry data from 1522 women.
- Utilized the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile stress scale.
- Employed multiple logistic regression to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- 78% of women reported low-moderate stress, while 6% reported high stress.
- High stress was significantly associated with depression, panic disorder, drug use, domestic violence, and multiple medical comorbidities.
- Mean stress scores showed a slight but significant decline during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal psychosocial stress is prevalent among pregnant individuals.
- High stress levels correlate with maternal factors that can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes.
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