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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Prenatal depression effects and interventions: a review.

Tiffany Field1, Miguel Diego, Maria Hernandez-Reif

  • 1Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Miami, FL 33101, USA. tfield@med.miami.edu

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|May 18, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Prenatal depression and elevated cortisol negatively impact fetal growth, leading to prematurity and low birthweight. Partner-provided prenatal massage therapy can reduce these risks, improving pregnancy outcomes.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Prenatal depression and elevated cortisol are linked to adverse fetal growth, prematurity, and low birthweight.
  • Depression and cortisol levels may remain stable throughout pregnancy.
  • Dysthymia is associated with higher maternal cortisol and poorer infant outcomes compared to Major Depressive Disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the negative effects of prenatal depression and cortisol on fetal development.
  • To identify confounding factors influencing these associations.
  • To explore effective interventions for mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on prenatal depression, cortisol levels, and infant outcomes.
  • Analysis of studies examining confounding variables such as neurotransmitter levels, anxiety, demographics, and substance use.
  • Evaluation of the efficacy of interventions like prenatal massage therapy and psychotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal depression and elevated cortisol are associated with reduced gestational age and birthweight.
  • Confounding factors include low serotonin/dopamine, comorbid anxiety, maternal demographics, and substance use.
  • Prenatal massage therapy, especially when provided by partners, and group interpersonal psychotherapy effectively reduced depression and cortisol levels.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal depression and elevated cortisol pose significant risks to fetal development.
  • Interventions such as partner-provided massage and psychotherapy show promise in mitigating these risks.
  • Further research is needed to explore other predictors and therapeutic strategies for optimizing prenatal mental health and infant outcomes.