[Relation Between Stress During Pregnancy and Spontaneous Preterm Birth]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Preterm birth (before 37 weeks) has multifactorial causes, with over 50% of cases remaining unclear.
• Psychopathological factors are emerging as significant, yet under-recognized, risk factors for preterm birth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal stress during pregnancy and spontaneous preterm birth.
• To identify key psychological, biological, and social predictors of spontaneous preterm delivery.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 360 patients was conducted.
• Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, social adjustment, coping strategies, and social support.
• Logistic regression models were employed to analyze psychological, biological, and social variables.

Main Results:

• Maternal stress during pregnancy was found to increase the odds of spontaneous preterm birth by 1.91 times (adjusted OR=2.91).
• Additional significant risk factors identified include a history of preterm delivery, unplanned pregnancy, lack of emotional support, rural residence, inadequate prenatal care, and unstable partnerships.

Conclusions:

• The study supports the hypothesis linking maternal stress during pregnancy to spontaneous preterm delivery.
• These findings underscore the critical role of psychological well-being in preventing preterm birth.