Pregnancy Anxiety Predicts Shorter Gestation in Latina and Non-Latina White Women: The Role of Placental Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone

Pregnancy anxiety, an emotional state rooted in concerns specific to the current pregnancy, has been implicated in the etiology of preterm birth and shortened length of gestation (Dole, Savitz, Hertz-Picciotto, Siega-Riz, McMahon,& Buekens, 2003; Kramer, et al., 2009; Lobel et al., 2008; Rini, Dunkel Schetter, Wadhwa,& Sandman, 1999; Rini, Dunkel Schetter, Wadhwa,& Sandman, 1999). Pregnancy anxiety refers to worries and fears experienced by pregnant women about their current pregnancy, including concern about the health of the baby, childbirth, health-care experiences, labor and delivery, and the maternal role (Dunkel Schetter, 2010; Guardino& Dunkel Schetter, 2014).

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - September 9, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Isabel F. Ramos, Christine M. Guardino, Maxwell Mansolf, Laura M. Glynn, Curt A. Sandman, Calvin J. Hobel, Christine Dunkel Schetter Source Type: research