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Updated: Jul 11, 2025

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Published on: August 25, 2014
Stress During Pregnancy Associated with Newborn Low Birth Weight: Experiences from the State of Rhode Island
Molly Bloom1, Annie Gjelsvik2, Siraj Amanullah3
1Global Health/Faculty Development Fellow in the department of Family Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. mjbloom1@gmail.com.
Purpose:
Prenatal stress is a known risk for poor birth outcomes. This study specifically looked at reported stress during pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW) in Rhode Island.
Methods:
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 2016 to 2018 for the state of Rhode Island was utilized. Stress during most recent pregnancy was dichotomized as: 'none to minimal' and 'moderate to high.' LBW was defined as less than 2,500 g. Multivariable regression analysis was performed, accounting for complex survey design.
Results:
In this cohort, 24% of pregnant people reported moderate to high stress leading to an adjusted odds of 1.70 (95% CI 1.43-2.03) of having a LBW newborn compared to those with none to minimal stress. Primiparity, previous preterm birth, racism, smoking history, and history of chronic medical problems were also associated with LBW newborns.
Conclusion:
We recommend screening and provision of support services for stress in all settings where pregnant people access care.
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