Abstract
Maternal adaptation to pregnancy is a physiological state. It gears up the potential mother to cope up with the physiological stress of pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. The antenatal self perceived maternal stress, if present, may subtly alter the maternal milieu interior, bring about biochemical changes at the molecular level , affect the uterine circulation, impair metabolism and modify the placental functions to the disadvantage of the fetus and may result in a low birth weight newborns. With this in mind, the study was undertaken to educate pregnant women to reduce the levels of stress both at home, at work and to reduce the incidence of low birth weight babies. Maternal stress low birth weight. Pompeii LA, Savitz DA, Evenson KR, Rogers B, McMahon M. Physical exertion at work and the risk of preterm delivery and small for gestation age birth; Obst Gynae 2005;106 ( 6); 1279-88. Launer LJ. Villar J, Kestlar E et al, The effect of maternal works on fetal growth and duration of pregnancy outcome; A prospective study. Am J Obst and Gynaec 1990;97; 62-70. Hendrikson TB, Hedegaard M, Secher NJ, Wilcox AJ. Standing at work and preterm delivery; Br J Obs and Gynaec 1995; 102; 198-205. Ganong?s Review of Medical Physiology 25th edition Page 364. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. A South Asian Edition.p661. [L. Santhanalakshmi. (2017); INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL STRESS AND BIRTH WEIGHT. Int. J. of Adv. Res. 5 (Jun). 1556-1562] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com Dr.L.Santhanalakshmi Director and Professor of Physiology , Madurai Medical College
Highlights
Stress is often assumed to be a personal problem that should be dealt with by the individual
Conclusion:Poverty and low socioeconomic status is a significant factor contributing to maternally perceived stress and to LBW
Rothberg et al, identified moderate to severe stress factors accounting for 48% of cumulative stress and birth weight of newborns
Summary
Stress is often assumed to be a personal problem that should be dealt with by the individual. Stress in the eighteenth century meant hardship, strains, adversity or affliction and the same in 19 th century were denoted by force, pressure, strain or strong effort. Hans Seyle considered as the ‘Father of Stress’ in 1920 explained the stress responses with General Adaptation. He referred Eustress as a necessary, positive physical reaction which aids individuals in successfully meeting daily demands in their lives. It is the distress, a cause for concern as it most severely taxes our reserves
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