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Updated: Jan 15, 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
Pregnancy psychological distress: A concept analysis
Mi Zhao1, Jing Han1, Suting Zhang1
1School of Nursing, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
This study clarifies pregnancy psychological distress, defining its attributes, causes, and consequences. The findings support better midwifery-led assessments and care for improved maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Psychological Well-being
- Concept Analysis
Background:
- Pregnancy psychological distress significantly impacts maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Current understanding lacks a clear definition and conceptual meaning of pregnancy psychological distress.
- This ambiguity hinders effective clinical practice and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a concept analysis of pregnancy psychological distress.
- To establish an operational definition for pregnancy psychological distress.
- To inform practice, research, and policy development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Walker and Avant's concept analysis framework.
- Performed a systematic literature search across English and Chinese databases up to October 2024.
- Analyzed 25 papers for definitions, attributes, antecedents, and consequences.
Main Results:
- Defined pregnancy psychological distress by subjective emotionality, affective variability, and non-psychiatric origins.
- Identified demographic, medical, social, and psychological factors as antecedents.
- Consequences include adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes, negative attitudes, avoidance, and relational issues.
Conclusions:
- Provided a clear conceptual definition of pregnancy psychological distress, differentiating it from other prenatal conditions.
- Established a foundation for developing targeted, midwifery-led assessments and care.
- Aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and clinical application.
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