Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
8-2014
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Epidemiology and Population Health
Committee Chair
Taylor, Kira C.
Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)
Kerber, Richard
Committee Member
Kerber, Richard
Committee Member
Kong, Maiying
Author's Keywords
Maternal stress; Pregnancy outcomes
Subject
Stress (Physiology); Anxiety in women; Women--Psychology; Preconception care
Abstract
It has been commonly hypothesized (and widely believed) that maternal stress either prior to or during pregnancy can adversely affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. However, surprisingly few epidemiologic studies have rigorously tested these hypotheses. The current study evaluated the effects of pre-conception self-reported stress on fecundability and spontaneous abortion. The study population was derived from the Mount Sinai Study of Woman Office Workers with 487 women included. Women recorded stress (scale from 1 to 4) and covariate information in a daily diary for 12 cycles or until pregnant. Results indicated a significantly increased risk of spontaneous abortion for women with higher levels of self-reported stress during the cycle of conception, and reduced fecundability when high stress occurred during the ovulatory window. This study reinforces the need for ameliorating stress in the aspiring and expecting mother. Future studies may examine effects of stress-related biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms on pregnancy outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Akhter, Shekufe, "The impact of preconception maternal stress on fecundability and adverse pregnancy outcomes." (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 21.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/21
