Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025
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
Exploring Self-Perceived Stress and Anxiety Throughout Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Study.
Mar Miguel Redondo1, Cristina Liebana-Presa2, Javier Pérez-Rivera3
1Centro de Salud Roces Montevil, Gijón, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias, 33001 Asturias, Spain.
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Pregnancy anxiety is highest in the first trimester, while stress peaks in the third trimester. Understanding these patterns is crucial for maternal and infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal Mental Health
- Psychological Stress in Pregnancy
Background:
- Anxiety and stress are prevalent during pregnancy, affecting maternal and newborn health.
- Limited research exists on factors promoting equity in pregnant women's care.
- Understanding anxiety and stress levels across trimesters is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify anxiety and stress levels throughout pregnancy's three trimesters.
- To investigate differences in anxiety and stress based on obstetric and gynecological variables.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, prospective, longitudinal, and correlational observational study.
- Involved 176 women using non-probability sampling.
- Utilized the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale.
Main Results:
- Anxiety prevalence was 23.9% (1st), 17% (2nd), and 17.6% (3rd) trimesters.
- Mean stress scores were 32.24 (1st), 33.02 (2nd), and 49.74 (3rd) trimesters.
- Anxiety was higher in the first trimester, particularly for women with a history of miscarriage.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety is most pronounced during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Mean stress levels significantly increase in the third trimester.
- Addressing the mental health needs of pregnant women supports societal health and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals.
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