Prenatal life events stress: implications for preterm birth and infant birthweight

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to severe life events during different stage of gestation on preterm birth and infant birthweight. A sample of 1800 women who delivered after 32 weeks' gestation were assessed with questionnaires that measured stressful life events during different stages of pregnancy. Demographic characteristics and birth outcomes were collected through the interviews and medical charts. There was an increased risk of preterm birth among women with higher levels of life events stress during the first trimester (adjusted risk ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-5.09) and second trimester (adjusted risk ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-6.47). Each unit increase of perceived life events stress during first trimester was associated with a 99.09 g decrease in infant birthweight. Prenatal severe life events, especially in the first trimester, may play an important role in increasing the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight.