Title : Mitigating response to stressors in pregnant women
Abstract:
Background: Stress-induced pregnancy complications are significant contributors to preterm labor and maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Chronic psychosocial stress has been linked to biophysiological damage, including accelerated telomere shortening in women and their offspring. These stressors are particularly impactful for pregnant women living in high-stress environments, where various psychosocial factors complicate the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the adverse health effects of repeated stress on pregnant women and capture their journey, especially those from high-stress environments, as they seek and receive prenatal care.
Methods: This study recruited 35 female adults aged 21 and older who were between 27 and 39 weeks of gestation from healthcare centers. The participants were exposed to a slightly stressful video, a humorous video, and a relaxing video and response to stressors was assessed using the Tobii Pro Nano, the Shimmer, and salivary cortisol. Visual and numerical data were exported from Tobii Pro Lab and were analyzed using SPSS V. 27. Multivariate analyses, including t-tests, were used to evaluate the study aims.
Results: The study yielded preliminary data demonstrating the feasibility of conducting a larger-scale investigation into the effects of chronic stress on pregnancy outcomes. The findings highlight key barriers and facilitators in accessing prenatal care and the autonomy to practice stress management during pregnancy. The findings provide evidence of the impact of psychosocial stress on maternal health and will inform the development of targeted interventions to reduce stress and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion: This feasibility study represents a critical step in understanding and addressing the complex interplay between psychosocial stress and pregnancy outcomes in different communities.
