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Updated: May 6, 2026

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

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Psychosocial stress in pregnancy and preterm birth: associations and mechanisms

Gabriel D Shapiro, William D Fraser, Martin G Frasch

    Journal of Perinatal Medicine
    |November 13, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Psychosocial stress during pregnancy (PSP) is linked to preterm birth (PTB). Early pregnancy stress and anxiety show stronger associations, with potential pathways involving neuroinflammation and neuroendocrine factors.

    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive Health
    • Psychoneuroimmunology
    • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

    Background:

    • Psychosocial stress during pregnancy (PSP) is an emerging risk factor for preterm birth (PTB).
    • Understanding the link between PSP and PTB is crucial for maternal and infant health outcomes.
    • Existing evidence suggests a complex interplay of physiological mechanisms.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review and synthesize published evidence on the association between PSP and PTB.
    • To identify established and hypothesized physiological pathways mediating the PSP-PTB relationship.
    • To highlight areas for future research in understanding PSP's impact on pregnancy.

    Main Methods:

    • A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science.
    • Keywords included "psychosocial stress", "pregnancy", "preterm birth", "anxiety", and "social support".
    • 107 articles were selected for review based on predefined exclusion criteria.

    Main Results:

    • The association between PSP and PTB varied by stress dimension and timing, with stronger links in early pregnancy.
    • Moderate effect sizes (risk ratios 1.2-2.1) were observed in studies with positive findings.
    • Subjective stress perception and pregnancy-related anxiety were most strongly associated with PTB.
    • Potential mediating pathways include behavioral, infectious, neuroinflammatory, and neuroendocrine mechanisms.

    Conclusions:

    • Future research should investigate biological pathways of PSP across different pregnancy stages.
    • Exploring the vaginal microbiome and cholinergic activity offers promising avenues for understanding PSP-PTB links.
    • Further studies are needed to elucidate the multifaceted nature of PSP's influence on PTB.
    Abstract

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