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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Pregnancy Outcomes
Monica A Lutgendorf1, Radhika Tyagi1, Sarah Edwards1
1Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics and the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas; and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in pregnant individuals is linked to higher rates of depression and alcohol use, but not pregnancy complications. Further research is needed on behavioral health impacts during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Military Health
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant concern, particularly among military populations.
- Understanding its impact on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PTSD among pregnant individuals within military healthcare.
- To evaluate the effect of PTSD on various pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2014-2018 at a military tertiary care center.
- Participants were screened for PTSD, trauma, combat exposure, alcohol use, and depression.
- Pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, outpatient visits, and NICU admissions.
Main Results:
- Of 1,145 retained participants, 108 screened positive for PTSD (21 military, 87 civilians).
- PTSD-positive individuals showed significantly higher rates of depression (17.84 OR) and risk of alcohol use (5.64 OR).
- No significant differences in pregnancy complications were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- PTSD screening in pregnancy correlates with depression and alcohol use risk, independent of pregnancy outcomes.
- Comorbidities like depression and alcohol use disorder may pose long-term maternal and fetal health risks.
- Further investigation into behavioral health disorders' effects on pregnancy is warranted.
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