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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Exploring the impact of pregnancy on cognitive function: a comparative study in a low-income setting
Syed Aman Ali1, Muhammad Sualeh2, Ghana Raza2
1Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan. syedamanali00@gmail.com.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|April 14, 2025
Summary
Pregnancy is linked to a decline in cognitive function, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale. This cognitive impairment during pregnancy may necessitate enhanced prenatal care strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive dysfunction significantly complicates mental health during pregnancy.
- Limited research exists on pregnancy-related cognitive decline, particularly in low-income settings.
- Pregnancy-related cognitive issues may increase mortality and reduce prenatal care quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive function and pregnancy.
- To explore cognitive changes in pregnant women in a low-income Pakistani setting.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study compared 83 pregnant women with 77 nonpregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan.
- The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale evaluated cognitive function across multiple domains.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests and linear regression, considering education, gestational age, and active complaints.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women showed significantly lower MoCA scores than nonpregnant women (p=0.019).
- Higher education correlated with better cognitive function, while increasing gestational age and active complaints were associated with cognitive decline.
- Gestational age (p=0.014) and active complaints (p=0.028) significantly impacted cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy is associated with notable cognitive impairment.
- Further research and attention to cognitive function during pregnancy are crucial for improving prenatal care and maternal well-being.
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