Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2025

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

3.0K

Optimizing Psychological Health Across the Perinatal Period: An Update on Maternal Cardiovascular Health: A

Garima Sharma, Allison E Gaffey, Afshan Hameed

    Journal of the American Heart Association
    |February 25, 2025
    PubMed

    Insights

    Perinatal psychological health conditions significantly impact maternal mortality and offspring development. Integrating psychological care into maternal cardiovascular health is vital for improved outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Psychiatry
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Perinatal psychological health conditions are leading causes of maternal mortality.
    • These conditions are linked to adverse pregnancy and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
    • Intergenerational effects on offspring neurodevelopment are also associated with perinatal psychological health issues.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To redefine maternal cardiovascular health to encompass psychological health.
    • To provide evidence on the association between psychological health and cardiovascular outcomes.
    • To offer guidance on integrating psychological health into maternal cardiovascular care during the perinatal period.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of evidence linking psychological health to cardiovascular outcomes.
    • Highlighting social and environmental factors influencing perinatal psychological health.
    • Proposing integrated care delivery models for cardio-obstetric care.

    Main Results:

    • Maternal psychological health is a critical determinant of perinatal cardiovascular health.
    • Integration of psychological care can improve maternal and offspring outcomes.
    • New care models emphasize recurrent screening, longer follow-up, and intervention.

    Conclusions:

    • Maternal cardiovascular health must include psychological health.
    • Integrated psychological and cardiovascular care is essential during the perinatal period.
    • Further research on comparative effectiveness of care models is needed.

    Keywords:
    AHA Scientific Statementsanxietycardio‐obstetricdepressionmaternal mortalityperinatalpostpartumpregnancy

    More Related Videos

    Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period06:44

    Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

    Published on: April 5, 2024

    400
    Author Spotlight: Enhancing the Offspring Health in Rats with Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy05:17

    Author Spotlight: Enhancing the Offspring Health in Rats with Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy

    Published on: April 5, 2024

    673

    Related Concept Videos

    Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

    Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

    Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
    A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
    25
    Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI01:30

    Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI

    Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
    Motivation and Self-Determination
    Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
    26
    Human Genetics01:28

    Human Genetics

    Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
    The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
    520
    Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I01:26

    Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I

    Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
    Conscientiousness
    Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
    34
    Lifestyle Factors and Health01:20

    Lifestyle Factors and Health

    Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
    Benefits of Physical Activity
    Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
    31
    Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

    Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

    Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
    25