Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
14:56
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Expectations predict early pregnancy-related symptom burden.
Meike Shedden-Mora1,2, Verena Schymanski3, Renja Albers3
1Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. meike.shedden-mora@medicalschool-hamburg.de.
Scientific Reports
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Expecting more pregnancy symptoms increases symptom burden and disability. Understanding these expectations is key for early pregnancy well-being interventions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Psychological Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Early pregnancy symptoms are common, but psychological factors influencing symptom burden are not well understood.
- Expectations, from other medical contexts, may influence symptom experience and burden.
- Prospective research is needed to link first-trimester expectations to later pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if first-trimester symptom expectations predict pregnancy-related symptom burden and disability.
- To explore the temporal relationship between symptoms and expectations during early pregnancy.
- To examine the role of pregnancy-related mindsets in symptom burden.
Main Methods:
- The PrExpect study prospectively followed 347 pregnant women up to 10 weeks gestation.
- Online questionnaires assessed symptoms, expectations, psychological variables, and pregnancy characteristics.
- Hierarchical regression and cross-lagged panel models analyzed predictors and temporal associations.
Main Results:
- Symptom burden was high and increased throughout the first trimester.
- Stronger baseline symptom expectations predicted significantly greater symptom burden and disability at follow-up.
- Bidirectional associations between symptoms and expectations were observed over time; negative mindsets correlated with higher symptom burden.
Conclusions:
- First-trimester symptom expectations are a significant psychological correlate of early pregnancy symptom burden and disability.
- Symptom expectations emerge as a potential target for interventions aimed at improving well-being in early pregnancy.
- Further research should explore interventions focused on managing expectations to support pregnant individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:54The Placebo Effect
The placebo effect occurs when people's expectations or beliefs influence or determine their experience in a given situation. In other words, simply expecting something to happen can actually make it happen.
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
01:19Secretory Phase
The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...