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Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
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Maternal stress and placental function, a study using questionnaires and biomarkers at birth
Birthe R Dahlerup1, Emilie L Egsmose1, Volkert Siersma2
1Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Plos One
|November 16, 2018
Summary
Prenatal stress, specifically pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA), impacts placental function, altering fetal cortisol exposure. This study highlights how maternal stress affects the adjusted fetal cortisol exposure (AFCE) ratio.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Prenatal stress can affect maternal and fetal health.
- Placental enzyme 11β-HSD2 regulates fetal cortisol exposure.
- Adjusted fetal cortisol exposure (AFCE) indicates placental enzyme activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of prenatal maternal stress on maternal and fetal cortisol/cortisone levels at birth.
- To investigate the relationship between stress and placental cortisol metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Assessed maternal stress using DASS-42, PRA, and Major Life Events scales.
- Measured cortisol and cortisone in maternal and cord blood from 273 participants.
- Analyzed data using regression models, with AFCE as the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) was associated with AFCE and fetal cortisone levels.
- Associations were attenuated by birth-related factors, particularly delivery mode.
- Placental weight influenced stress-AFCE associations.
Conclusions:
- Maternal stress, specifically PRA, is linked to altered placental cortisol metabolism.
- Delivery mode and birth strain significantly affect immediate postpartum cortisol levels.
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