1
|
Deer LK, Demers CH, Hankin BL, Doom JR, Shields GS, Hoffman MC, Davis EP. Neonatal Hair Cortisol and Birth Outcomes: An Empirical Study and Meta-Analysis. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:720-729. [PMID: 39132972 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prenatal stress physiology is often posited as a predictor of birth outcomes, including gestational age at birth and birthweight. However, research has predominantly relied on indicators in the maternal system, with few studies examining hormones of the fetal system. The current study focuses on fetal cortisol in the third trimester, as measured in neonatal hair, as a biological factor that might be associated with birth outcomes (gestational age at birth and birthweight). We report findings from two studies: a longitudinal cohort (Study 1), and a meta-analysis of the existing literature (Study 2). METHODSSTUDY Hair was collected for cortisol analysis from 168 neonates (55.95% female) shortly after birth. Gestational age at birth and birthweight were abstracted from medical records. METHODSSTUDY An exhaustive search of four databases was conducted, yielding 155 total studies for screening. Papers reporting neonatal hair cortisol (collection <2 weeks postpartum) and birth outcomes among human neonates were retained for analysis, including Study 1 results ( k = 9). RESULTSSTUDY Higher neonatal hair cortisol was related to longer gestation ( r = 0.28, p < .001) and higher birthweight, r = 0.16, p = .040. Sex did not moderate either association. RESULTSSTUDY Across the nine studies, higher neonatal hair cortisol predicted both longer gestation ( r = 0.35, p < .001, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.45) and higher birthweight ( r = 0.18, p = .001, 95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.28). Neonatal sex did not moderate these associations. CONCLUSIONS Fetal cortisol exposure in the third trimester plays a role in normative maturation of the fetus, and findings reveal that higher cortisol is associated with positive birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LillyBelle K Deer
- From the Department of Psychology (Deer, Doom, Davis), University of Denver, Denver; Department of Psychiatry (Demers, Hoffman), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Psychology (Hankin), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois; Department of Psychological Science (Shields), University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Hoffman), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; and Department of Pediatrics (Davis), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Horakova A, Kuklova M, Hrdlickova K, Nemcova H, Knytl P, Kostylkova L, Sebela A. Effectiveness of the mom supports mom peer support intervention in treating antenatal mental health difficulties in women. Midwifery 2024; 139:104198. [PMID: 39342905 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM Up to 75 % of at-risk perinatal women do not receive treatment in Czechia. BACKGROUND Pregnant women with mental health difficulties are more likely to undergo less controversial nonpharmaceutical treatment during pregnancy, but structural and psychological barriers interfere with their capacity to seek professional help. AIM We tested the effectiveness of the telephone-based peer support intervention Mom Supports Mom (MSM) in Czech pregnant women at risk of mental disorder. METHODS The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess risk in women (EPDS ≥ 10). Women at risk were randomized into two groups; the intervention group received the MSM, while the control group received the care as usual, which did not contain any psychological support intervention. One month after completing the EPDS, the women's mental statuses were again measured and compared, this time with data before and after the intervention, using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) to measure anxiety, the EPDS to measure depression, the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile (PPP) to measure stress, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory - Revised (PAI-R) to measure attachment. The trial was registered under the name Pregnancy without psychosocial stress (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04853693). FINDINGS A total of 167 women were included in the study and randomized into two groups. Depressive symptoms did not decrease (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.48; 0.17-0.79; p = .002), but levels of anxiety (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.44; 0.13-0.75; p = .005) and psychosocial stress (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.55; 0.20-0.82; p = .002) were reduced in women in the intervention group compared with women in the control. In addition, prenatal attachment increased among intervened women (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.48; 0.17-0.79; p = .002). DISCUSSION The telephone-based peer support intervention MSM is effective in reducing stress and anxiety and increasing prenatal attachment but does not reduce depression among high-risk women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Horakova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Charles University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Celetna 20, Prague 116 42, Czech Republic.
| | - Marie Kuklova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristyna Hrdlickova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Charles University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Celetna 20, Prague 116 42, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Nemcova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Charles University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Celetna 20, Prague 116 42, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Knytl
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Ruska 2411, Prague 100 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Kostylkova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Ruska 2411, Prague 100 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Antonin Sebela
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic; Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Ruska 2411, Prague 100 00, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cho NA, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Reimer RA. Early Life Surgency, but not Effortful Control or Negative Affectivity, Is a Mediating Variable Between Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Childhood Obesity Risk. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22517. [PMID: 38924077 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Maternal gestational obesity is related to risk of obesity in the child. This risk may be in part mediated by altered child temperament, which can affect mother-child interactions, including feeding and soothing behaviors that affect obesity risk. Our objective was to examine the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and child zBMI and determine if child temperament, specifically positive Affectivity/Surgency, mediates this association. Using conditional process modeling, we analyzed data from 408 mother-child dyads enrolled in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Child temperament was assessed at 3 years of age via a parent report measure, the Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), and child zBMI was calculated from in-person measurements of child height and weight at 4-5 years of age. Bivariate correlations showed that there was a significant positive correlation between zBMI and Surgency (r = 0.11, p = 0.03), and zBMI was also correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (r = 0.12, p = 0.02). Multivariable regression revealed that maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (adjusted β = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.00-0.05, p = 0.02) and Surgency scores (adjusted β = 0.14, 95% CI; 0.02-0.28, p = 0.03) were associated with higher child zBMI at 4-5 years of age. Mediation analysis showed that Surgency mediated the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and child zBMI. Our models controlled for maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, socioeconomic status, maternal anxiety and depression, and gestational age at birth. Overall, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was positively associated with child zBMI, and this association was mediated by higher child Surgency scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Cho
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tartour AI, Chivese T, Eltayeb S, Elamin FM, Fthenou E, Seed Ahmed M, Babu GR. Prenatal psychological distress and 11β-HSD2 gene expression in human placentas: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107060. [PMID: 38677195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta acts as a buffer to regulate the degree of fetal exposure to maternal cortisol through the 11-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase isoenzyme type 2 (11-β HSD2) enzyme. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of prenatal psychological distress (PPD) on placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression and explore the related mechanistic pathways involved in fetal neurodevelopment. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo®, and ProQuest Dissertations for observational studies assessing the association between PPD and 11-β HSD2 expression in human placentas. Adjusted regression coefficients (β) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled based on three contextual PPD exposure groups: prenatal depression, anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. RESULTS Of 3159 retrieved records, sixteen longitudinal studies involving 1869 participants across seven countries were included. Overall, exposure to PPD disorders showed weak negative associations with the placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression as follows: prenatal depression (β -0.01, 95% CI 0.05-0.02, I2=0%), anxiety symptoms (β -0.02, 95% CI 0.06-0.01, I2=0%), and perceived stress (β -0.01 95% CI 0.06-0.04, I2=62.8%). Third-trimester PPD exposure was more frequently associated with lower placental 11-β HSD2 levels. PPD and placental 11-β HSD2 were associated with changes in cortisol reactivity and the development of adverse health outcomes in mothers and children. Female-offspring were more vulnerable to PPD exposures. CONCLUSION The study presents evidence of a modest role of prenatal psychological distress in regulating placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression. Future prospective cohorts utilizing larger sample sizes or advanced statistical methods to enhance the detection of small effect sizes should be planned. Additionally, controlling for key predictors such as the mother's ethnicity, trimester of PPD exposure, mode of delivery, and infant sex is crucial for valid exploration of PPD effects on fetal programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angham Ibrahim Tartour
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safa Eltayeb
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima M Elamin
- Office of Research Ethics and Integrity, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eleni Fthenou
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Seed Ahmed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McPherson CB, O'Donnell L, Moes E, Edgar H. No relationship found between dental fluctuating asymmetry, birthweight, and birth term in two modern North American samples. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24114. [PMID: 38842218 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deciduous dental crowns primarily develop during gestation and early infancy and embody early life stress exposures. Composite measures of dental fluctuating asymmetry (DFA) generated from the deciduous teeth may therefore indicate cumulative gestational stress in developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) studies. This study examines whether higher composite measures of deciduous DFA are associated with low birthweight and prematurity, two aspects of birth phenotype consistently associated with increased morbidity and mortality risks in adulthood. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We evaluated associations between composite deciduous DFA, birthweight, and birth term in two contemporary North American samples: an autopsy sample from New Mexico (n = 94), and sample from a growth cohort study in Burlington, Ontario (n = 304). Dental metric data for each sample was collected from postmortem CT scans and dental casts, respectively. Composite DFA was estimated using buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) crown diameters from paired deciduous teeth. RESULTS Contrary to expectations, the results of linear regression indicated no significant relationship between birthweight and DFA, or birth term and DFA, in either sample. CONCLUSIONS Deciduous DFA does not predict aspects of birth phenotype associated with gestational stress. Birthweight and birth term are plastic relative to the more developmentally stable deciduous dentition, which may only subtly embody early life stress. We suggest that deciduous DFA should be utilized with caution in DOHaD studies until its relationship with gestational stress is clarified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cait B McPherson
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lexi O'Donnell
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Emily Moes
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, University of St. Francis, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Heather Edgar
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Santaularia NJ, Hunt SL, Bonilla Z. Exploring the Links Between Immigration and Birth Outcomes Among Latine Birthing Persons in the USA. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01999-x. [PMID: 38713369 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01999-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth outcomes are worse for birthing people and infants in the USA than other high-income economies and worse still for underprivileged communities. Historically, the Latine community has experienced positive birth outcomes, despite low socioeconomic status and other socio-political disadvantages, leading to what has been termed as the Hispanic birth paradox. However, this perinatal advantage and protective effect appears to have been shattered by unfavorable policies, structural conditions, societal attitudes, and traumatic events impacting Latine immigrants, leading to negative effects on the health and well-being of birthing Latines-regardless of citizenship status and increasing rates of preterm birth and low birth weight infants. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a comprehensive literature review and identified two pathways through which birth outcomes among Latine birthing persons may be compromised regardless of citizenship status: (1) a biological pathway as toxic levels of fear and anxiety created by racialized stressors accumulate in the bodies of Latines and (2) a social pathway as Latines disconnect from formal and informal sources of support including family, friends, health care, public health programs, and social services during the course of the pregnancy. CONCLUSION Future research needs to examine the impact of immigration climate and policies on health and racial equity in birth outcomes among Latines regardless of citizenship status. Attaining health and racial equity necessitates increased awareness among health providers, public health practitioners, and policy makers of the impact of larger socio-political pressures on the health of Latine birthing persons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Jeanie Santaularia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Shanda Lee Hunt
- University Libraries, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Zobeida Bonilla
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schwarze CE, von der Heiden S, Wallwiener S, Pauen S. The role of perinatal maternal symptoms of depression, anxiety and pregnancy-specific anxiety for infant's self-regulation: A prospective longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2024; 346:144-153. [PMID: 37832733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal symptoms of anxiety and depression are highly prevalent during pregnancy and postpartum and have the potential to impact fetal development and offspring behavior. However, research on the effects of fetal exposure to maternal subclinical affective symptoms on infant self-regulation is still lacking. Self-regulation provides a fundamental precondition for healthy development and overall life success whereas dysfunctional self-regulation can lead to behavioral problems, poor academic achievement, social rejection, and physical/mental disorders. During pregnancy and infancy, children largely depend upon their mothers in order to successfully regulate their internal states. Given the high prevalence of mothers suffering from anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy and after childbirth, the aim of the present study is to explore how maternal affective symptoms change during the pre- and postnatal period, and how measures obtained in pregnancy and beyond impact self-regulation in infants, as indicated by crying-, sleeping-, and/or feeding problems. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study investigates the effects of maternal symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-specific anxiety on infant's self-regulation in N = 225 mother-infant dyads. Maternal affective symptoms were examined at five prenatal and three postnatal time-points using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire Revised (PRAQ-R2). Infant's self-regulation was assessed twice - at the age of three and six months - using the Crying Feeding Sleeping Scale (SFS). RESULTS Maternal pregnancy-specific anxiety was the most significant predictor for infant self-regulatory problems. It predicted crying-, sleeping, and feeding problems and explained up to 18 % of the variance. Even when controlling for maternal postpartum affective symptoms, pregnancy-specific anxiety remained a significant predictor for infant self-regulation problems. LIMITATIONS Rather homogenous sample (high socioeconomic status). Data based on maternal reports of infant behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that fetal exposure to maternal affective symptoms - specifically pregnancy-related anxiety - plays a substantial role in the development of infant self-regulation problems, potentially mediated by epigenetic modifications. Importantly, even though maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety only reached subclinical levels, they were predictive for infant crying-, sleeping-, and feeding problems. Our findings underline the importance of early prevention and clearly tailored interventions during pregnancy and postpartum to prevent adverse outcome for mother, child and family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia E Schwarze
- Heidelberg University, Department of Psychology, Developmental and Biological Psychology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sina von der Heiden
- Heidelberg University, Department of Psychology, Developmental and Biological Psychology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wallwiener
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg, Germany; University of Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Halle, Germany
| | - Sabina Pauen
- Heidelberg University, Department of Psychology, Developmental and Biological Psychology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Siegel MR, Simione M, James KE, Perkins ME, Luo M, Swift H, Kim J, Jasset OJ, Shook LL, Taveras EM, Edlow AG. Helping Us Grow Stronger (HUGS)/Abrazos: a community-based initiative improved perinatal mental health in an urban cohort. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101264. [PMID: 38135219 PMCID: PMC10922876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted programs aimed at improving maternal mental health, particularly among those exposed to social determinants of health, are increasingly critical since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the impact of such programs is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel, language-concordant community-based program on perinatal mental health. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a prospective cohort study of peripartum individuals referred to a new community-based intervention known as Helping Us Grow Stronger (HUGS/Abrazos). Participants received up to 4 remote sessions with a cognitive behavioral therapy trained social worker, up to 3 resource navigation sessions with a community health worker, and direct relief with a grocery gift card and care package. Before and after the program, participants completed validated survey instruments to assess mental health and social determinants of health. RESULTS A total of 178 participants were assessed after program completion, including 133 who were assessed before and after the program. The cohort was composed of 62.9% Hispanic or Latinx participants with a mean age of 29.8 year (standard error of mean, 0.46). There were high rates of food insecurity (111/178; 62.4%), experiences of discrimination (119/178; 66.9%), and SARS-CoV-2 infection (105/178; 59.0%). The program was associated with statistically significant improvements in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scores (baseline [mean±standard error of mean], 8.44±0.55 vs 6.77±0.51 after program completion; P=.0001) and Perceived Stress Scale scores (baseline, 15.2±0.74 vs 14.0±0.71; P=.035). Participants exposed to stressors including food insecurity and experiences of discrimination had higher baseline depression, stress, and anxiety scores. Those with experiences of discrimination, food insecurity, and SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy were more likely to have improvements in mental health scores postintervention. CONCLUSION In this diverse urban cohort, a novel community-based intervention was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and anxiety, particularly among those with social determinants of health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Siegel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Drs Siegel, James, Shook, and Edlow).
| | - Meg Simione
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA (Dr Simione, Mses Perkins and Luo, and Dr Taveras)
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Drs Siegel, James, Shook, and Edlow)
| | - Meghan E Perkins
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA (Dr Simione, Mses Perkins and Luo, and Dr Taveras)
| | - Man Luo
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA (Dr Simione, Mses Perkins and Luo, and Dr Taveras)
| | - Hannah Swift
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Mses Swift, Kim, and Jasset and Drs Shook and Edlow)
| | - Joon Kim
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Mses Swift, Kim, and Jasset and Drs Shook and Edlow)
| | - Olyvia J Jasset
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Mses Swift, Kim, and Jasset and Drs Shook and Edlow)
| | - Lydia L Shook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Drs Siegel, James, Shook, and Edlow); Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Mses Swift, Kim, and Jasset and Drs Shook and Edlow)
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA (Dr Simione, Mses Perkins and Luo, and Dr Taveras); Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Dr Taveras); Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA (Dr Taveras)
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Drs Siegel, James, Shook, and Edlow); Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Mses Swift, Kim, and Jasset and Drs Shook and Edlow).
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Palomo-Gómez R, Rúger-Navarrete A, Antúnez-Calvente I, Vázquez-Lara JM, Rodríguez-Díaz L, Gómez-Salgado J, Riesco-González FJ, Vázquez-Lara MD, Muñoz-Vela FJ, Fernández-Carrasco FJ. Prenatal Stress as a Risk Factor for Maternal-Foetal Morbidity: A Longitudinal Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:312. [PMID: 38338196 PMCID: PMC10855075 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is one of the most complex periods in a woman's life, not only because of the biological changes involved but also because of the psychological aspects. Stress during pregnancy refers to the concerns and distress that arise during pregnancy and that can be assessed by means of psychological and physiological scales. The aim of this study was to analyse prenatal stress and to evaluate its consequences on the health of both the mother and the foetus. A descriptive longitudinal study was carried out on a sample of 398 pregnant women being followed up during their entire pregnancy, who gave birth at the Punta de Europa University Hospital in Algeciras (Spain) between September 2021 and August 2023. The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) was used, as well as serum cortisol levels in each trimester of pregnancy and birth experience using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire in its validated Spanish version, CEQ-E. Demographic and obstetric variables were included. One of the main findings was that experiencing more stress in late pregnancy had a negative impact on obstetric outcomes. Women who had higher levels of prenatal distress had higher blood cortisol levels and increased risk of having a caesarean section at delivery. A significant negative correlation was also found between stress and Apgar test values in the first minute of life. It is concluded that interventions promoted by the health system that provide comprehensive prenatal care contribute to decreased stress as perceived by these pregnant women, thus reducing the risk of maternal and foetal morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Palomo-Gómez
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of La Línea de la Concepción, 11300 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Azahara Rúger-Navarrete
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, 51001 Ceuta, Spain (F.J.F.-C.)
| | - Irene Antúnez-Calvente
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Juana María Vázquez-Lara
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, 51001 Ceuta, Spain (F.J.F.-C.)
| | - Luciano Rodríguez-Díaz
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, 51001 Ceuta, Spain (F.J.F.-C.)
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
| | | | - María Dolores Vázquez-Lara
- Department of Nursing, Menendez Tolosa Health Center, Andalusian Health Service, 11202 Algeciras, Spain;
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Keeton VF, Hoffmann TJ, Goodwin KM, Powell B, Tupuola S, Weiss SJ. Prenatal exposure to social adversity and infant cortisol in the first year of life. Stress 2024; 27:2316042. [PMID: 38377153 PMCID: PMC11006384 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2316042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to social adversity has been associated with cortisol dysregulation during pregnancy and in later childhood; less is known about how prenatal exposure to social stressors affects postnatal cortisol of infants. In a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study, we tested whether a pregnant woman's reports of social adversity during the third trimester were associated with their infant's resting cortisol at 1, 6, and 12 months postnatal. Our hypothesis was that prenatal exposure to social adversity would be associated with elevation of infants' cortisol. Measures included prenatal survey reports of social stressors and economic hardship, and resting cortisol levels determined from infant saliva samples acquired at each postnatal timepoint. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. The final sample included 189 women and their infants (46.56% assigned female sex at birth). Prenatal economic hardship was significantly associated with infant cortisol at 6 months postnatal; reports of social stressors were not significantly associated with cortisol at any time point. Factors associated with hardship, such as psychological distress or nutritional deficiencies, may alter fetal HPA axis development, resulting in elevated infant cortisol levels. Developmental changes unique to 6 months of age may explain effects at this timepoint. More work is needed to better comprehend the complex pre- and post-natal physiologic and behavioral factors that affect infant HPA axis development and function, and the modifying role of environmental exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria F. Keeton
- Assistant Professor, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, 2570 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hoffmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Office of Research School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kalisha Moneé Goodwin
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Bree Powell
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Sophia Tupuola
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Otridge J, Meyer JS, Dettmer AM. Amniotic fluid cortisol predicts neonatal and infant development in non-stressed rhesus monkeys: Implications for prenatal stress. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107308. [PMID: 37890675 PMCID: PMC10872548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal stress adversely affects offspring development, with fetal cortisol (CORT) exposure being a primary hypothesized mechanism for stress-induced developmental deficits. Fetal CORT exposure can be assessed via measurements in amniotic fluid. However, in humans, amniocentesis is typically only performed for clinical reasons such as karyotyping; thus, amniotic fluid CORT cannot be obtained from a random sample. To test the hypothesis that fetal CORT exposure predicts neonatal and infant development in healthy primates, we measured amniotic fluid CORT in N = 18 healthy rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) dams (50:50 female:male infants) between 80 and 124 days gestation (mean ± SEM = 98.3 ± 2.9 days out of 165 days gestational length; i.e., second trimester). Maternal hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) were assessed throughout pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were assessed for physical growth, neurological development, cognitive development, and HCCs across postnatal days 30-180. Controlling for gestational age at amniocentesis, higher amniotic fluid CORT significantly predicted slower infant growth rate (g/day) in the first 30 days (β = -0.19; R2 = 0.71, p = .008), poorer sensorimotor scores on the day 30 neonatal assessment (β = -0.28; R2 = 0.76, p = .015), and longer time to complete training (β = 0.48; R2 = 0.54, p = .026), but better performance (β = 0.91; R2 = 0.60, p = .011) on a discrimination cognitive task at 120-180 days. Amniotic fluid CORT was not associated with maternal or infant HCCs. Although these results are correlative, they raise the intriguing possibility that fetal CORT exposure in non-stress-exposed primates, as measured by amniotic fluid CORT, programs multiple aspects of neonatal and infant development. On the other hand, amniotic fluid CORT may not relate to chronic CORT levels in either mothers or infants when assessed by hair sampling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerrold S Meyer
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Amanda M Dettmer
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Siegmann EM, Eichler A, Buchholz VN, Gerlach J, Pontones CA, Titzmann A, Arnaud N, Consortium IMACM, Mühle C, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA, Kratz O, Moll GH, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. Effects of an App-Based Mindfulness Intervention during Pregnancy on the Infant's Prenatal Androgen Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6142. [PMID: 37834786 PMCID: PMC10573842 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal androgen exposure modulates the development of the brain, with lasting effects on its function and behavior over the infant's life span. Environmental factors during pregnancy, in particular maternal stress, have been shown to influence the androgen load of the unborn child. We here addressed the research gap on whether a mindfulness intervention or a pregnancy education administered to pregnant women more affects the androgen exposure of the unborn child (quantified by the proxies of second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D) and anogenital distance assessed one year after delivery and at delivery, respectively). Moreover, we tested the mindfulness intervention's effects on maternal perceived stress, anxiety, depressiveness, and mindfulness. Pregnant women (gestation weeks 8-14) were randomized to a 15-week app-based mindfulness-oriented intervention (N = 72) or a pregnancy education intervention (control condition; N = 74). The mindfulness-oriented group did not significantly differ from the pregnancy education group in infants' 2D:4D or anogenital distance (partial η2 ≤ 0.01) or in maternal stress, anxiety, depressiveness, or mindfulness. However, the descriptive results indicate that across pregnancy, stress and anxiety decreased and mindfulness increased in both groups. Overall, this study did not show that the mindfulness intervention (relative to the pregnancy education) reduced the prenatal androgen exposure of the unborn children or improved the maternal outcomes significantly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Siegmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Nadine Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gerlach
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Constanza A. Pontones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adriana Titzmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Arnaud
- German Centre for Addiction Research in Childhood and Adolescence, University Medical Centre Hamburg–Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A. Fasching
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kratz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gunther H. Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pinto TM, Nogueira-Silva C, Figueiredo B. Fetal heart rate variability and infant self-regulation: the impact of mother's prenatal depressive symptoms. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37726914 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2257730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foetal heart rate (FHR) variability is considered a marker of foetal neurobehavioral development associated with infant self-regulation and thus may be an early precursor of the adverse impact of mother's prenatal depressive symptoms on infant self-regulation. OBJECTIVE This study analysed the mediator role of FHR variability in the association between mother's prenatal depressive symptoms and infant self-regulation at three months. METHODS The sample comprised 86 first-born infants and their mothers. Mothers reported on depressive symptoms at the first trimester of pregnancy and on depressive symptoms and infant self-regulation at three months postpartum. FHR variability was recorded during routine cardiotocography at the third trimester of pregnancy. A mediation model was tested, adjusting for mother's postnatal depressive symptoms. RESULTS Higher levels of mother's prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with both lower FHR variability and lower infant self-regulation at three months. FHR variability was associated with infant self-regulation and mediated the association between mother's prenatal depressive symptoms and infant self-regulation at three months. CONCLUSION Findings suggested FHR variability as an early precursor of infant self-regulation that underlies the association between mother's prenatal depressive symptoms and infant self-regulation. Infants of mothers with higher levels of prenatal depressive symptoms could be at risk of self-regulation problems, partially due to their lower FHR variability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Miguel Pinto
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- HEI-Lab, Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Nogueira-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Phua DY, Chew CSM, Tan YL, Ng BJK, Lee FKL, Tham MMY. Differential effects of prenatal psychological distress and positive mental health on offspring socioemotional development from infancy to adolescence: a meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1221232. [PMID: 37780045 PMCID: PMC10536167 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1221232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of prenatal maternal mental health on offspring socioemotional development is substantial and enduring. Existing literature primarily focuses on the effects of psychological distress during pregnancy, emphasizing adverse child outcomes. Recent studies, however, highlight the unique impact of positive maternal mental health on child outcomes. To elucidate the differential associations of maternal psychological distress and positive mental health during pregnancy with child outcomes, we conducted a systematic literature search and random-effects meta-analyses on studies investigating the associations of prenatal maternal mental health with child socioemotional development. Our analyses, comprising 74 studies with 321,966 mother-child dyads across 21 countries, revealed significant associations of prenatal psychological distress with both adverse and positive child socioemotional outcomes. Notably, the effect sizes for the association of psychological distress with positive child outcomes were smaller compared to adverse outcomes. Positive prenatal mental health, on the other hand, was significantly associated with positive socioemotional outcomes but not adverse outcomes. This meta-analysis highlights the independence of negative and positive prenatal mental health constructs and their distinct relationships with child socioemotional development. The findings underscore the importance of considering the positive spectrum of maternal mental health and developmental outcomes to enhance our understanding of prenatal influences on child development. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=335227, identifier CRD42022335227.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Y. Phua
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chermaine S. M. Chew
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Lik Tan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin J. K. Ng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Florence K. L. Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Megan M. Y. Tham
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mefrouche ML, Siegmann EM, Böhme S, Berking M, Kornhuber J. The Effect of Digital Mindfulness Interventions on Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:1694-1706. [PMID: 37754461 PMCID: PMC10529137 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13090122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Pregnancy is a unique time in a woman's life that can be both exciting and challenging. It is also a period that can be associated with significant stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have negative consequences for both the mother and the baby. Mindfulness interventions are known to be a well-suited treatment and prevention method for psychiatric symptoms in pregnancy, and web-based applications have been explored. We here present an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials to investigate the effect of digital-based mindfulness interventions on depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms during pregnancy. Methods. The systematic literature search and data extraction was performed by two independent raters. It resulted in 13 eligible studies overall comprising 1373 participants. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses for depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms after completion of a digital mindfulness intervention (compared to a control group). Results. Digital mindfulness intervention methods were significantly able to reduce depression (g = -0.47, 95% CI [-0.9; -0.09]) and anxiety symptoms (g = -0.41, 95% CI [-0.77; -0.05]), but not stress symptoms. These effects were moderated by the attrition rate (βDepression = 0.025, pDepression < 0.01; βAnxiety = 0.022, pAnxiety < 0.01; βStress = 0.022, pStress < 0.01). Primiparity also had a significant influence on the intervention effect regarding depression symptoms (β = 0.033, p = 0.024). Conclusions. Digital mindfulness interventions are a promising method to reduce mental health symptoms in pregnant women. We identified certain parameters moderating this effect, for example, primiparity and the attrition rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique L. Mefrouche
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.L.M.)
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Siegmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.L.M.)
| | - Stephanie Böhme
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Berking
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fleck L, Fuchs A, Sele S, Moehler E, Koenig J, Resch F, Kaess M. Prenatal stress and child externalizing behavior: effects of maternal perceived stress and cortisol are moderated by child sex. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:94. [PMID: 37550728 PMCID: PMC10408175 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Externalizing behavior problems are related to social maladjustment. Evidence indicates associations between prenatal stress and child behavioral outcomes. It remains unclear how psychological distress vs. biological correlates of stress (cortisol) differentially predict externalizing behavior, and how their effects might differ as a function of child sex. METHOD 108 pregnant women from the community collected salivary cortisol and reported their perceived stress during each trimester of pregnancy. At child age 9 years (M = 9.01, SD = 0.55), 70 mothers and children reported on child behavior. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze how cortisol levels and perceived stress during pregnancy predicted current child externalizing behavior, considering the moderating effect of child sex. RESULTS Perceived stress predicted higher externalizing behavior in boys (β = 0.42, p = 0.009) and lower externalizing behavior in girls (β = - 0.56, p = 0.014). Cortisol predicted lower externalizing behavior in boys (β = - 0.81, p < .001) and was not related to girls' externalizing behavior (β = 0.37, p = 0.200). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Prenatal stress affected externalizing behavior differently in girls vs. boys. These response patters in turn differed for indicators of psychological vs. biological maternal stress, encouraging an integrated approach. Findings indicate that perceived stress and cortisol may affect child development via different trajectories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Fleck
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Fuchs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvano Sele
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Moehler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Julian Koenig
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Franz Resch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Okyay EK, Uçar T. The effect of emotional freedom technique and music applied to pregnant women who experienced prenatal loss on psychological growth, well-being, and cortisol level: A randomized controlled trial. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 45:101-112. [PMID: 37544684 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has shown that application of emotional freedom technique and music ensures psychological growth, increases well-being, and decreases cortisol level. PURPOSE In the study, it was aimed to determine the effect of EFT and music applied to pregnant women who had experienced prenatal loss on their psychological growth, well-being, and cortisol level. METHODS The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial in a city hospital in eastern Türkiye with 159 pregnant women, 53 of whom were in the EFT, 53 in the music group, and 53 in the control group. The study data were collected through Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS), Subjective Units of Experience (SUE) Scale, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and saliva samples were taken for cortisol evaluation. EFT was applied to the women two times every other week; the women in the music group listened to music two times every other week. Throughout the week following the first intervention, the women continued the interventions at home. RESULTS It was determined that EFT and music significantly decreased the participants' subjective anxiety and salivary cortisol median scores, the lowest anxiety was in the EFT group, and PTGI and WHO-5 Well-Being Index mean scores increased (p < 0.005). Further analyses showed that EFT was more effective in terms of increasing well-being than music (p < 0.001; a > b > c). It was determined that the anxiety levels and salivary cortisol median values of the control group were statistically significantly higher compared to the EFT and music groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION It was found that EFT and music applied to the women who had experienced prenatal loss decreased anxiety, ensured psychological growth, improved well-being, and decreased salivary cortisol level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Karataş Okyay
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Department of Midwifery, 46050 Kahramanmaras, Türkiye.
| | - Tuba Uçar
- Inonu University, Department of Midwifery, 44280 Malatya, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Morris AR, Saxbe DE. Differences in infant negative affectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infant Ment Health J 2023; 44:466-479. [PMID: 37218428 PMCID: PMC10783853 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study compared infant temperament rated at 3 months postpartum by 263 United-States-based women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic and 72 who gave birth prior to the pandemic. All women completed questionnaires assessing perinatal mental health, social contact, and infant temperament. Mothers whose infants were born during the pandemic reported higher levels of infant negative affectivity as compared with mothers whose infants were born earlier (F(1, 324) = 18.28, p < .001), but did not differ in their ratings of surgency or effortful control. Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms, prenatal stress, and postpartum stress mediated differences in infant negative affectivity between pandemic and pre-pandemic groups. Within the pandemic group, decreased postpartum social contact was associated with higher ratings of infant negative affectivity. These findings suggest that the pandemic has affected maternal perceptions of infant temperament, perinatal mental health, and social contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Darby E Saxbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nazzari S, Grumi S, Biasucci G, Decembrino L, Fazzi E, Giacchero R, Magnani ML, Nacinovich R, Scelsa B, Spinillo A, Capelli E, Roberti E, Provenzi L. Maternal pandemic-related stress during pregnancy associates with infants' socio-cognitive development at 12 months: A longitudinal multi-centric study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284578. [PMID: 37068062 PMCID: PMC10109481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal maternal stress is a key risk factor for infants' development. Previous research has highlighted consequences for infants' socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes, but less is known for what regards socio-cognitive development. In this study, we report on the effects of maternal prenatal stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic on 12-month-old infants' behavioral markers of socio-cognitive development. METHODS Ninety infants and their mothers provided complete longitudinal data from birth to 12 months. At birth, mothers reported on pandemic-related stress during pregnancy. At infants' 12-month-age, a remote mother-infant interaction was videotaped: after an initial 2-min face-to-face episode, the experimenter remotely played a series of four auditory stimuli (2 human and 2 non-human sounds). The auditory stimuli sequence was counterbalanced among participants and each sound was repeated three times every 10 seconds (Exposure, 30 seconds) while mothers were instructed not to interact with their infants and to display a neutral still-face expression. Infants' orienting, communication, and pointing toward the auditory source was coded micro-analytically and a socio-cognitive score (SCS) was obtained by means of a principal component analysis. RESULTS Infants equally oriented to human and non-human auditory stimuli. All infants oriented toward the sound during the Exposure episode, 80% exhibited any communication directed to the auditory source, and 48% showed at least one pointing toward the sound. Mothers who reported greater prenatal pandemic-related stress had infants with higher probability of showing no communication, t = 2.14 (p = .035), or pointing, t = 1.93 (p = .057). A significant and negative linear association was found between maternal prenatal pandemic-related stress and infants' SCS at 12 months, R2 = .07 (p = .010), while adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that prenatal maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic might have increased the risk of an altered socio-cognitive development in infants as assessed through an observational paradigm at 12 months. Special preventive attention should be devoted to infants born during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics & Neonatology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Fazzi
- Department of Clinical And Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliera Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Renata Nacinovich
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), Università Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Scelsa
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Capelli
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Roberti
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a large toll on population health and well-being. We examine the consequences of prenatal exposure for infant health, through which the pandemic may have lasting intergenerational effects. We examine multiple pathways by which the pandemic shaped birth outcomes and socioeconomic disparities in these consequences. Analysis of more than 3.5 million birth records in California with universal information on COVID infection among persons giving birth at the time of delivery reveals deep inequalities in infection by education, race/ethnicity, and place-based socioeconomic disadvantage. COVID infection during pregnancy, in turn, predicts a large increase in the probability of preterm birth, by approximately one third. At the population level, a surprising reduction in preterm births during the first months of the pandemic was followed by an increase in preterm births during the surge in COVID infections in the winter of 2021. Whereas the early-pandemic reduction in preterm births benefited primarily highly educated mothers, the increase in preterm births during the winter infection surge was entirely concentrated among mothers with low levels of schooling. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to exacerbate U.S. inequality in multiple ways. Our findings highlight a particularly enduring pathway: the long-term legacy of prenatal exposure to an unequal pandemic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenna Nobles
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Weiss SJ, Musana JW. Symptoms of maternal psychological distress during pregnancy: sex-specific effects for neonatal morbidity. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:878-886. [PMID: 35421290 PMCID: PMC9464044 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy has been associated with preterm birth. However, little is known about the relationship of a woman's psychological symptoms during pregnancy to the infant's morbidity at birth or any differential effects of these symptoms on female vs. male fetuses. Our research aims addressed these gaps. METHODS A total of 186 women were enrolled between 24 and 34 weeks gestation when demographic information was acquired and they completed the Brief Symptom Inventory to measure psychological distress. Data on gestational age at birth, fetal sex, and neonatal morbidity was extracted from the medical record. To control for their effects, obstetric complications were also identified. Multiple linear regressions were computed to examine the aims, including interaction terms to measure moderating effects of fetal sex. RESULTS Symptoms of maternal psychological distress were a significant predictor of neonatal morbidity but were not associated with gestational age. The interaction between symptom distress and fetal/infant sex was also significant for neonatal morbidity but not for gestational age. For boys, high levels of maternal symptom distress during pregnancy were associated with neonatal resuscitation, ventilatory assistance, and infection. Maternal distress was not associated with neonatal morbidity for girls. CONCLUSIONS The male fetus may be more sensitive to effects of mothers' psychological symptoms than the female fetus. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and identify potential biological mechanisms that may be responsible for these sex differences. Findings suggest the importance of symptom screening and early intervention to reduce maternal distress and risk of neonatal morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Musana
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ortiz M, Loidl F, Vázquez‐Borsetti P. Transition to extrauterine life and the modeling of perinatal asphyxia in rats. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1568. [DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Ortiz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Fabián Loidl
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas Buenos Aires Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Negative emotionality as a candidate mediating mechanism linking prenatal maternal mood problems and offspring internalizing behaviour. Dev Psychopathol 2022; 35:604-618. [PMID: 35440354 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Negative emotionality (NE) was evaluated as a candidate mechanism linking prenatal maternal affective symptoms and offspring internalizing problems during the preschool/early school age period. The participants were 335 mother-infant dyads from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment project. A Confirmatory Bifactor Analysis (CFA) based on self-report measures of prenatal depression and pregnancy-specific anxiety generated a general factor representing overlapping symptoms of prenatal maternal psychopathology and four distinct symptom factors representing pregnancy-specific anxiety, negative affect, anhedonia and somatization. NE was rated by the mother at 18 and 36 months. CFA based on measures of father, mother, child-rated measures and a semistructured interview generated a general internalizing factor representing overlapping symptoms of child internalizing psychopathology accounting for the unique contribution of each informant. Path analyses revealed significant relationships among the general maternal affective psychopathology, the pregnancy- specific anxiety, and the child internalizing factors. Child NE mediated only the relationship between pregnancy-specific anxiety and the child internalizing factors. We highlighted the conditions in which prenatal maternal affective symptoms predicts child internalizing problems emerging early in development, including consideration of different mechanistic pathways for different maternal prenatal symptom presentations and child temperament.
Collapse
|
24
|
Maternal childhood maltreatment and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2022; 302:139-159. [PMID: 35041871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal childhood maltreatment (MCM) is linked to poor perinatal outcomes but the evidence base lacks cohesion. We explore the impact of MCM on four perinatal outcome domains: pregnancy and obstetric; maternal mental health; infant; and the quality of the care-giving environment. Mechanisms identified in the included studies are discussed in relation to the maternal programming hypothesis and directions for future research. METHOD We completed a comprehensive literature search of eight electronic databases. Independent quality assessments were conducted and PRISMA protocols applied to data extraction. RESULTS Inclusion criteria was met by N = 49 studies. MCM was consistently associated with difficulties in maternal and infant emotional regulation and with disturbances in the mother-infant relationship. Directly observed and maternal-reported difficulties in the mother-infant relationship were often mediated by mothers' current symptoms of psychopathology. Direct and mediated associations between MCM and adverse pregnancy and obstetric outcomes were suggested by a limited number of studies. Emotional and sexual abuse were the most consistent MCM subtype significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. LIMITATIONS A meta-analysis was not possible due to inconsistent reporting and the generally small number of studies for most perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS MCM is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes for mothers' and infants. Evidence suggests these associations are mediated by disruptions to maternal emotional functioning. Future research should explore biological and psychosocial mechanisms underpinning observed associations between specific subtypes of MCM and adverse perinatal outcomes. Services have a unique opportunity to screen for MCM and detect women and infants at risk of adverse outcomes during the perinatal period.
Collapse
|
25
|
Corrigan L, Moran P, McGrath N, Eustace-Cook J, Daly D. The characteristics and effectiveness of pregnancy yoga interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:250. [PMID: 35337282 PMCID: PMC8957136 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yoga is a popular mind-body medicine frequently recommended to pregnant women. Gaps remain in our understanding of the core components of effective pregnancy yoga programmes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the characteristics and effectiveness of pregnancy yoga interventions, incorporating the FITT (frequency, intensity, time/duration and type) principle of exercise prescription. Methods Nine electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, WHOLiS, AMED, ScieLo, ASSIA and Web of Science. Randomised control trials and quasi-experimental studies examining pregnancy yoga interventions were eligible. Covidence was used to screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Outcomes of interest were stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life, labour duration, pain management in labour and mode of birth. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment tool was used to assess methodological quality of studies and GRADE criteria (GRADEpro) evaluated quality of the evidence. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Results Of 862 citations retrieved, 31 studies met inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine studies with 2217 pregnant women were included for meta-analysis. Pregnancy yoga interventions reduced anxiety (SMD: -0.91; 95% CI: − 1.49 to − 0.33; p = 0.002), depression (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: − 0.9 to − 0.04, P = 0.03) and perceived stress (SMD: -1.03; 95% CI: − 1.55 to − 0.52; p < 0.001). Yoga interventions also reduced duration of labour (MD = − 117.75; 95% CI − 153.80 to − 81.71, p < 0.001) and, increased odds of normal vaginal birth (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.46–4.56, p < 0.001) and tolerance for pain. The quality of evidence (GRADE criteria) was low to very low for all outcomes. Twelve or more yoga sessions delivered weekly/bi-weekly had a statistically significant impact on mode of birth, while 12 or more yoga sessions of long duration (> 60 min) had a statistically significant impact on perceived stress. Conclusion The evidence highlights positive effects of pregnancy yoga on anxiety, depression, perceived stress, mode of birth and duration of labour. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42019119916. Registered on 11th January 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04474-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Corrigan
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Patrick Moran
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh McGrath
- School of Public Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Prom MC, Denduluri A, Philpotts LL, Rondon MB, Borba CPC, Gelaye B, Byatt N. A Systematic Review of Interventions That Integrate Perinatal Mental Health Care Into Routine Maternal Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:859341. [PMID: 35360136 PMCID: PMC8964099 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.859341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionally affected by perinatal depression and anxiety and lack access to mental health care. Integrating perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care is recommended to address gaps in access to mental health care in such under-resourced settings. Understanding the effectiveness of interventions that integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care in LMICs is critical to inform ongoing intervention development, implementation, and scale-up. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of interventions that integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care to improve maternal mental health and infant health outcomes in LMICs. METHOD In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, an electronic database search was conducted seeking publications of controlled trials examining interventions that aimed to integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care in LMICs. Abstracts and full text articles were independently reviewed by two authors for inclusion utilizing Covidence Review Software. Data was extracted and narrative synthesis was conducted. FINDINGS Twenty studies met eligibility criteria from the initial search results of 2,382 unique citations. There was substantial heterogeneity between the study samples, intervention designs, and outcome assessments. Less than half of the studies focused on women with active depression or anxiety. Most studies (85%) implemented single intervention designs involving psychological, psychosocial, psychoeducational, or adjuvant emotion/stress management. There were few interventions utilizing multicomponent approaches, pharmacotherapy, or referral to mental health specialists. Outcome measures and assessment timing were highly variable. Eighteen studies demonstrated significantly greater improvement on depression and/or anxiety measures in the intervention group(s) as compared to control. CONCLUSION Integrated interventions can be effective in LMICs. The findings provide a critical understanding of current interventions design gaps. This includes the lack of comprehensive intervention designs that incorporate increasing intensity of treatment for more severe illness, pharmacotherapy, mental health specialist referrals, and non-mental health professional training and supervision. The findings also provide strategies to overcome design and implementation barriers in LMICs. Study findings provide a foundation for future evidence-based adaptation, implementation, and scale-up of interventions that integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care in LMICs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_ record.php?ID=CRD42021259092], identifier [CRD42021259092].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Prom
- Chester M. Pierce Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amrutha Denduluri
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Treadwell Library, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marta B Rondon
- Department of Psychiatry, Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, Lima, Peru
| | - Christina P C Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Global and Local Center for Mental Health Disparities, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bizu Gelaye
- Chester M. Pierce Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nancy Byatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Caparros-Gonzalez RA, Lynn F, Alderdice F, Peralta-Ramirez MI. Cortisol levels versus self-report stress measures during pregnancy as predictors of adverse infant outcomes: a systematic review. Stress 2022; 25:189-212. [PMID: 35435113 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2022.2059348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systematically review existing evidence to (1) identify the association between self-report stress and cortisol levels measured during pregnancy; and, (2) assess their association with adverse infant outcomes to determine which is the better predictor. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Search terms focused on pregnancy, psychological stress and cortisol. Nine electronic databases were searched, in addition to reference lists of relevant papers. Eligibility criteria consisted of studies that included measurement of self-reported psychological stress, cortisol and assessed their associations with any infant-related outcome. Further limits included studies published in English or Spanish with human female participants. A meta-regression was not feasible due to differences in study samples, measurement tools employed, types of cortisol assessed and outcomes reported. A narrative synthesis was provided. 28 studies were eligible for inclusion. Convergent validity between self-report measures and cortisol was reported by three studies (range r = 0.12-0.41). Higher levels of self-report stress were significantly associated with intrauterine growth restriction (fetal biparietal diameter, low fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference), low gestational age at birth, low anthropometric measures (birth length, head circumference, length of the neonate), poor infant neurodevelopment (cognitive development) and potentially pathogenic gut microbiota (Clostridiaceae Clostridium, Haemophilus) in six studies. Higher cortisol levels were significantly associated with intrauterine growth restriction (fetal biparietal diameter, low fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference), low gestational age at birth, low infant birth weight, poor infant neurodevelopment (attention scores on the Network Neurobehavioral Scale) and low levels of potentially protective gut microbiota (Lactobacillus, Slackia and Actinobaculum) in 13 studies. Of the studies that assessed which type of measure was a better predictor of infant outcomes (n = 6), there was agreement that cortisol levels were statistically better at predicting adverse outcomes than self-reported stress. Self-report stress measures appear to be modest predictors of adverse infant outcomes in comparison to cortisol. A number of methodological limitations need to be addressed in future studies to help understand the relationship between cortisol and self-reported stress and how they are related to adverse infant outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A Caparros-Gonzalez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Fiona Lynn
- Medical Biology Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Fiona Alderdice
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Effects of maternal exposure to acute stress on birth outcomes: a quasi-experiment study. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 13:471-482. [PMID: 34937600 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown associations between maternal stress and poor birth outcomes, but evidence is unclear for causal inference. Natural disasters provide an opportunity to study effects of quasi-randomized hardship with an accurate measure of onset and duration. In a population-based quasi-experimental study, we examined the effect of maternal exposure to the January 1998 Québec ice storm on birth outcomes by comparing pregnant mothers who lived in an area hard hit by the ice storm with those in two unaffected regions. In a total of 147,349 singleton births between 1995 and 2001, we used a difference-in-differences method to estimate the effects of the ice storm on gestational age at delivery (GA), preterm birth (PTB), weight-for-gestational-age z-scores (BWZ), large for gestational age (LGA), and small for gestational age (SGA). After adjusting for maternal and sociodemographic characteristics, there were no differences between the exposed and the unexposed mothers for birth outcomes. The estimated differences (exposed vs. unexposed) were 0.01 SDs (95% CI: -0.02, 0.05) for BWZ; 0.10% point (95% CI: -0.95%, 1.16%) for SGA; 0.25% point (95% CI: -0.78%, 1.28%) for LGA; -0.01 week (95% CI: -0.07, 0.05) for GA; and 0.16% point (95% CI: -0.66%, 0.97%) for PTB. Neither trimester-specific nor dose-response associations were observed. Overall, exposure to the 1998 Québec ice storm as a proxy for acute maternal stress in pregnancy was not associated with poor birth outcomes. Our results suggest that acute maternal hardship may not have a substantial effect on adverse birth outcomes.
Collapse
|
29
|
Ölmestig TK, Siersma V, Birkmose AR, Kragstrup J, Ertmann RK. Infant crying problems related to maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:777. [PMID: 34789174 PMCID: PMC8597256 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infant crying may cause concerns among new parents and is a frequent reason for seeking help from their general practitioner (GP). The etiology of crying problems in infancy is not fully understood, but recent studies have found associations with maternal mental factors. It is well-established that postpartum depression is related to infant crying problems while the influence of maternal mental problems in pregnancy on infant crying is less investigated. We aimed to explore whether maternal depressive symptoms or maternal anxiety during pregnancy were related to crying problems by the newborn child. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 1290 pregnant women and their newborn children were followed throughout pregnancy until 8 weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were assessed three times during pregnancy and again 8 weeks postpartum with the Major Depressive Inventory (MDI) and the Anxiety Symptoms Scale (ASS). Eight weeks postpartum the mothers were also asked whether their child cried in a way they found problematic. Multivariable regression was used to assess the association between depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and crying problems, and to adjust for potential confounders. Results We found statistically significant associations between high scores of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy and infant crying problems. Previously reported strong associations postpartum between depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and infant crying problems were also observed in the present data. Conclusion These results indicate that mental problems during pregnancy are associated with having a child with crying problems after birth. If more focus is given to maternal mental problems during pregnancy, the healthcare system might be able to detect and help these women, which would be beneficial for both mother and child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha Krogh Ölmestig
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Anna Rubach Birkmose
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Jakob Kragstrup
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Ruth Kirk Ertmann
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rodríguez-Soto NC, Buxó CJ, Morou-Bermudez E, Pérez-Edgar K, Ocasio-Quiñones IT, Surillo-González MB, Martinez KG. The impact of prenatal maternal stress due to potentially traumatic events on child temperament: A systematic review. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22195. [PMID: 34674245 PMCID: PMC8549868 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to complete a systematic review of the relationship between prenatal maternal stress due to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and child temperament. Eligible studies through June 2020 were identified utilizing a search strategy in PubMed and PsycInfo. Included studies examined associations between prenatal maternal stress due to PTE and child temperament. Two independent coders extracted study characteristics and three coders assessed study quality. Of the 1969 identified studies, 20 met full inclusion criteria. Studies were classified on two dimensions: (1) disaster-related stress and (2) intimate partner violence during pregnancy. For disaster-related prenatal maternal stress, 75% (nine out of 12) of published reports found associations with increased child negative affectivity, 50% (five out of 10) also noted associations with lower effortful control/regulation, and 38% (three out of eight) found associations with lower positive affectivity. When considering prenatal intimate partner violence stress, 80% (four out of five) of published reports found associations with higher child negative affectivity, 67% (four out of six) found associations with lower effortful control/regulation, and 33% (one out of three) found associations with lower positive affectivity. Prenatal maternal stress due to PTEs may impact the offspring's temperament, especially negative affectivity. Mitigating the effects of maternal stress in pregnancy is needed in order to prevent adverse outcomes on the infant's socioemotional development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayra C. Rodríguez-Soto
- University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
- Carlos Albizu University, San Juan, PR
| | - Carmen J. Buxó
- University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
The contribution of racism-related stress and adversity to disparities in birth outcomes: evidence and research recommendations. F S Rep 2021; 3:5-13. [PMID: 35937456 PMCID: PMC9349247 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, racial and ethnic differences in adverse birth outcomes and infant mortality are some of the largest and most persistent health disparities in the United States. This narrative review article synthesizes existing literature to present a conceptual model of how racism-related stress and adversity are critical determinants of such disparities. We describe how historical and ongoing racism has created conditions wherein women of color are disproportionately exposed to chronic, multilayered stress and adversity and how the biological consequences of exposure to these stressors confers risk for adverse birth outcomes. Next, we identify important priorities and considerations for future research, including the heterogeneity of racism-related stressors, biomarkers and mechanisms, chronicity and sensitive periods of exposure, developmental programming of lifespan health, resilience, and community-engaged research methodologies. Historical and ongoing racism has created conditions wherein women of color are disproportionately exposed to stress and adversity. The consequences of exposure to racism-related stress and adversity can confer risk for health conditions implicated in adverse birth outcomes and alter maternal physiology associated with fetal development and timing of parturition. Conjointly studying racism-related stress, biologic profiles, and birth outcomes is a priority for future research. It is important to identify factors that mitigate the impact of racism-related stress and adversity on birth outcomes.
Collapse
|
32
|
Lionetti F, Dellagiulia A, Prudentino G, Spinelli M, Pluess M, Fasolo M. Is premature birth an environmental sensitivity factor? A scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047015. [PMID: 34711591 PMCID: PMC8557285 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, around 10% of children are born preterm and are more at risk of negative developmental outcomes. However, empirical evidences and theoretical reasoning also suggest that premature birth can be a susceptibility factor, increasing sensitivity to the environment for better and for worse. Because available findings are controversial, with the current scoping review we will explore if, based on the available literature, preterm birth can be seen as an environmental sensitivity (ES) factor. In doing so, we will consider a series of moderating variables, including the level of prematurity, the type of environment and the outcome investigated. Methodological aspects, as the type of measures used and study design, will be considered. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The scoping review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology guidelines. The report will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. We will perform the search between 15 January 2022 and 1 February 2022. Data will be chartered by independent reviewers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected. This scoping review will be the first to explore whether prematurity is associated with an increased ES. This review can have important implications for tailoring prevention and intervention programmes. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Spinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael Pluess
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Stoye DQ, Sullivan G, Galdi P, Kirschbaum C, Lamb GJ, Black GS, Evans MJ, Boardman JP, Reynolds RM. Perinatal determinants of neonatal hair glucocorticoid concentrations. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105223. [PMID: 33878601 PMCID: PMC8155393 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adult hair glucocorticoid concentrations reflect months of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. However, little is known about the determinants of neonatal hair glucocorticoids. We tested associations between perinatal exposures and neonatal hair glucocorticoids. Cortisol and cortisone were measured by LC-MS/MS in paired maternal and infant hair samples collected within 10 days of birth (n = 49 term, n = 47 preterm), with neonatal samples collected at 6-weeks in n = 54 preterm infants. We demonstrate cortisol accumulation in hair increases with fetal maturity, with hair cortisol being higher in term than preterm born infants after delivery (median 401 vs 106 pg/mg; p < 0.001). In term born infants, neonatal hair cortisol is positively associated with maternal hair cortisol concentration (β = 0.240, p = 0.045) and negatively associated with birthweight z-score (β = -0.340, p = 0.006). Additionally, being born without maternal labour is associated with lower hair cortisol concentrations (β = -0.489, p < 0.001) and a lower ratio of cortisol to cortisone (β = -0.484, p = 0.001). In preterm infants, histological chorioamnionitis is associated with a higher cortisol to cortisone ratio in hair (β = 0.459, p = 0.001). In samples collected 6 weeks after preterm birth, hair cortisol concentration is associated with cortisol hair concentrations measured after birth (β = 0.523, p < 0.001), chorioamnionitis (β = 0.250, p = 0.049) and postnatal exposures including intravenous hydrocortisone therapy (β = 0.343, p < 0.007) and neonatal sepsis (β = 0.290, p = 0.017). In summary, neonatal hair cortisol is associated with birth gestation, maternal hair cortisol concentration and fetal growth. Additionally, exposures at delivery are important determinants of hair cortisol, and should be considered in the design of future research investigating how neonatal hair cortisol relates to prenatal exposures or fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Q Stoye
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paola Galdi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Gillian J Lamb
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gill S Black
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Margaret J Evans
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Elmetwally MA, Samy A, Eldesouky A, Lenis YY, Eldomany W. Uterine blood flow, fetal heart rate, gestational length, and fetal birth weight variability in response to maternal temperament in the goat. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13563. [PMID: 34013649 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This prospective study was designed to investigate the effects of maternal temperament on uterine blood flow, fetal heart rate, gestational length, and fetal birth weight in a goat experimental model. Based on the arena test, behavioral testing related to fear-eliciting stimulus, goats were divided into nervous (n = 13) and calm (n = 11) groups. After mating, the perfusion of maternal uterine arteries (UTAs) and its related Doppler parameters, blood flow volume (BFV), time-averaged mean velocity (TAMEANV), acceleration (Acce), and resistance impedance (S/D), were evaluated biweekly from week two until the end of pregnancy. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was investigated during the pregnancy in addition to the gestation length (GL) and fetal birth weight (FBW). The UTA-BFV and TAMEANV, as well as Acce and S/D, were influenced by maternal temperament (p < .05). The FHR showed no significant changes between experimental animals of different temperaments (p = .81). Both GL and FBW were increased in calm rather than nervous goats (p < .05). These results indicated that the maternal nervous (temperament) have negative impacts on uterine artery Doppler indices, fetal growth, and gestational length in a goat experimental model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Elmetwally
- Department of Theriogenology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,Institute of Reproductive Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alaa Samy
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Eldesouky
- Department of Theriogenology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Yasser Y Lenis
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,OHVRI, Health and Veterinary Innovative Research and Development, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Antioquia University, Medellín, Colombia.,Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Palmira, Colombia
| | - Wael Eldomany
- Department of Theriogenology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lamadé EK, Hendlmeier F, Wudy SA, Witt SH, Rietschel M, Coenen M, Gilles M, Deuschle M. Rhythm of Fetoplacental 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 - Fetal Protection From Morning Maternal Glucocorticoids. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1630-1636. [PMID: 33621325 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Excess glucocorticoids impact fetal health. Maternal glucocorticoids peak in early morning. Fetoplacental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) inactivates cortisol to cortisone, protecting the fetus from high glucocorticoids. However, time-specific alterations of human fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 have not been studied. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity shows time-specific alteration and acute affective or anxiety disorders impact fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity. METHODS In this observational study we investigated 78 pregnant European women undergoing amniocentesis (15.9 ± 0.9 weeks of gestation). Amniotic fluid was collected (8:00 to 16:30 hours) for analysis of fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity, using cortisol (F):cortisone (E) ratio in amniotic fluid, E/(E + F). Fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 rhythm and association with "acute affective or anxiety disorder" (patients with at least one of: a major depressive episode, specific phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder) and "acute anxiety disorder" (one of: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mixed anxiety, depressive disorder), assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, were investigated. RESULTS Activity of 11β-HSD2 correlated with time of amniocentesis, peaking in the morning (r = -0.398; P < 0.001) and increased with acute affective or anxiety disorder (mean [M] = 0.70 vs M = 0.74; P = 0.037) and acute anxiety disorder (M = 0.70 vs M = 0.75; P = 0.016). These associations remained significant when controlling for confounders. 11β-HSD2 activity correlated negatively with pre-pregnancy body mass index (r = -0.225; P = 0.047). CONCLUSION Our study indicates a time-specific alteration of fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity with peaking levels in the morning, demonstrating a mechanism of fetal protection from the morning maternal glucocorticoid surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kathrin Lamadé
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Hendlmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 10-12, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michaela Coenen
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Gilles
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Deuschle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bátiz LF, Palmeiro-Silva YK, Rice GE, Monteiro LJ, Galaburda AM, Romero R, Choolani MA, Wyneken U, Orellana P, Illanes SE. Maternal exposure to a high-magnitude earthquake during pregnancy influences pre-reading skills in early childhood. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9244. [PMID: 33927303 PMCID: PMC8084950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88767-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to an adverse prenatal environment can influence fetal development and result in long-lasting changes in the offspring. However, the association between maternal exposure to stressful events during pregnancy and the achievement of pre-reading skills in the offspring is unknown. Here we examined the association between prenatal exposure to the Chilean high-magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 27th, 2010 and the development of early reading precursors skills (listening comprehension, print knowledge, alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, and phonological awareness) in children at kindergarten age. This multilevel retrospective cohort study including 3280 children, of whom 2415 were unexposed and 865 were prenatally exposed to the earthquake shows substantial evidence that maternal exposure to an unambiguously stressful event resulted in impaired pre-reading skills and that a higher detrimental effect was observed in those children who had been exposed to the earthquake during the first trimester of gestation. In addition, females were more significantly affected by the exposure to the earthquake than their male peers in alphabet knowledge; contrarily, males were more affected than females in print knowledge skills. These findings suggest that early intervention programs for pregnant women and/or children exposed to prenatal stress may be effective strategies to overcome impaired pre-reading skills in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Federico Bátiz
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Program in Neuroscience, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yasna K Palmeiro-Silva
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- School of Nursing, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gregory E Rice
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lara J Monteiro
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Program in Biology of Reproduction, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Center for Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Mahesh A Choolani
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ursula Wyneken
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Program in Neuroscience, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pelusa Orellana
- School of Education, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Sebastián E Illanes
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
- Program in Biology of Reproduction, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
A Pre-registered Meta-analysis Based on Three Empirical Studies Reveals No Association Between Prenatal (Amniotic) Cortisol Exposure and Fluctuating Asymmetry in Human Infants. Evol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-020-09523-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDevelopmental instability (DI) reflects an organism’s inability to develop an ideal phenotype when challenged by genetic and environmental insults. DI can be estimated via the proxy measure of fluctuating asymmetry (FA), i.e., the small random deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry observed in the morphology of paired traits. The mechanisms involved in the genesis of FA in human populations are relatively unknown, though animal research indicates that hormonal processes may be involved. As maternal stress during pregnancy is detrimental to various developmental processes, elevated prenatal cortisol may represent a causal factor in the subsequent emergence of an asymmetrical phenotype. The main purpose of this pre-registered meta-analysis based on three empirical studies was to investigate whether mid-trimester amniotic cortisol levels predict subsequent FA in finger lengths of infants from Germany, Portugal, and the UK. No statistically significant relationships were observed, and meta-analytic combination of the effect size estimates yielded a null result. We did, however, detect significant positive correlations between the cortisol present in the amniotic fluid and maternal plasma in the Portuguese cohort, and observed that FA in the German cohort was significantly lower at 70-months than at either 9- or 20-months. Taken together, the current findings run contrary to animal research showing that elevated prenatal corticosterone exposure leads to increased FA. However, this may be because a single cortisol assay obtained via amniocentesis is an inadequate proxy for average gestational exposure, and/or that prenatal cortisol levels at an earlier (i.e., first rather than second trimester) stage of pregnancy is what explains variance in subsequent FA.
Collapse
|
38
|
Takegata M, Matsunaga A, Ohashi Y, Toizumi M, Yoshida LM, Kitamura T. Prenatal and Intrapartum Factors Associated With Infant Temperament: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:609020. [PMID: 33897486 PMCID: PMC8060501 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.609020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Temperament involves individual variations in behavioural tendencies of emotional responses and reactions to stimuli after birth. Because 'foetal programming' is a strong hypothesis in developing temperament, prenatal and intrapartum factors may be significant determinants of infant temperament. This systematic literature review aims to elucidate the evidence of prenatal and intrapartum predictors, including genetic, biological, environmental, socio-demographic, psychological, and obstetric factors of parents and their child. Methods: Relevant articles were searched using MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS. The inclusion criteria were (a) original research article, (b) written in English, (c) assessed the temperament of infants 12 months old or younger as an outcome variable, and (d) investigated prenatal and intrapartum factorial variables of infant temperament. Following the PRISMA guideline, the articles found in the three databases were screened and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria before the final review. Results: Finally, 35 articles were reviewed. This systematic review identified a variety of prenatal and intrapartum factors that were significantly associated with infant temperament: (1) genetic and biological factors: certain genotypes, maternal cortisol and ACTH, and CRHs, (2) environmental factors: substance use such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, (3) socio-demographic factor: lower-income, (4) psychological factors: depression or anxiety, eating disorders, personality types of mothers, and domestic violence, and (5) obstetric factors: foetal growth (birth weight), hypertension in mothers, nausea (emesis), and preterm birth. Conclusion: The findings support gene-environment interaction and biological mechanisms for developing infant temperament, suggesting the importance of ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for pregnant mothers, unborn infants, and families during pregnancy and delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Takegata
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asami Matsunaga
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Kitamura KOKORO Clinic Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Community Mental Health and Law, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ohashi
- Faculty of Nursing, Josai International University, Togane, Japan
| | - Michiko Toizumi
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Lay Myint Yoshida
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshinori Kitamura
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Kitamura KOKORO Clinic Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan.,T. and F. Kitamura Foundation for Studies and Skill Advancement in Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Taillieu TL, Brownridge DA, Brownell M. Screening for intimate partner violence in the early postpartum period: Maternal and child health and social outcomes from birth to 5-years post-delivery. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104865. [PMID: 33338981 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a substantial public health concern, yet little is known about the developmental trajectory of these women and their children after birth. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine maternal and child health as well as social outcomes from birth to 5-years post-delivery associated with a positive (vs. negative) maternal IPV screen around the time of delivery. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Manitoban women giving birth to a live singleton infant from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2006 were followed from birth to 5-years post-delivery (analytic sample: N = 40,051). METHODS Administrative databases from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy provided data for the study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to examine relationships between IPV screen response around the time of birth (i.e., current, or history of, violence between parenting partners) with maternal and child health as well as social outcomes. RESULTS Women screening positive for IPV had increased odds of diagnosed mood/anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, diabetes, respiratory morbidity, and intentional/non-intentional injury hospitalizations (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] range 1.81-5.59, p < .01). Children of women screening positive for IPV had increased odds of diagnosed attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, lower respiratory infections, and injury hospitalizations (AOR range 1.53-2.00, p < .01), child welfare organization contact (AOR = 8.84, p < .01), and of being more developmentally vulnerable at kindergarten across domains of functioning (AOR range 1.69-1.93, p < .01) than children of mothers screening negative for IPV. CONCLUSION A positive IPV screen was associated with poorer maternal and child health, increased child and family services contact, and children being more developmentally vulnerable in the 5-years after delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Taillieu
- Department of Community Health Sciences, 306 Human Ecology, 35 Chancellor's Circle, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Douglas A Brownridge
- Department of Community Health Sciences. 313D Human Ecology, 35 Chancellor's Circle, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Marni Brownell
- Research and Senior Research Scientist, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Room 408, 727 McDermot Avenue, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3P5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Spry EA, Aarsman SR, Youssef GJ, Patton GC, Macdonald JA, Sanson A, Thomson K, Hutchinson DM, Letcher P, Olsson CA. Maternal and paternal depression and anxiety and offspring infant negative affectivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2020.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
41
|
Hamami H, Sheiner E, Wainstock T, Mazor E, Lanxner Battat T, Walfisch A, Kosef T, Pariente G. The Association between Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Immediate Postpartum Maternal Cognitive Function. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113727. [PMID: 33233589 PMCID: PMC7699685 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Survivors of the 2003 SARS epidemic were found to have higher rates of adverse mental conditions. This study aimed to assess cognitive function in women delivering during the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to women who delivered before the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort study was performed during the immediate postpartum period of women delivering singletons at term. Cognitive function was assessed using an objective neurocognitive test (Symbol Digit Modalities Test SDMT90, SDMT4) and a subjective self-estimation questionnaire (Attention Function Index AFI). The exposed group was recruited during the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel (May 2020), whereas the comparison group consisted of women delivering at the same medical center before the COVID-19 pandemic (2016–2017). Multivariable regression models were constructed to control potential confounders. There were 79 parturients recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared with 123 women who delivered before the COVID-19 pandemic. Women delivering during the COVID-19 pandemic scored lower in the subjective AFI test compared to the unexposed group (70.0 ± 15.4 vs. 75.1 ± 14.7, p = 0.018). However, no significant difference was found in the objective SDMT tests scores. These results remained similar in the multivariable regression models when controlling for maternal age, ethnicity and time from admission to assessment, for AFI, SDMT90 and SDMT4 scores (p = 0.014; p = 0.734; p = 0.786; respectively). While no significant difference was found in objective tests, our findings propose that the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic is independently associated with a significant decrease in subjective maternal cognitive function during the immediate postpartum period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hagai Hamami
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (E.M.); (T.L.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (E.M.); (T.L.B.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-54-804-5074
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Elad Mazor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (E.M.); (T.L.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Talya Lanxner Battat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (E.M.); (T.L.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Asnat Walfisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Tamar Kosef
- Department of Psychiatry, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Gali Pariente
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (E.M.); (T.L.B.); (G.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mangwiro YT, Cuffe JS, Vickers MH, Reynolds CM, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Gravina S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Briffa JF, Wlodek ME. Maternal exercise alters rat fetoplacental stress response: Minimal effects of maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding. Placenta 2020; 104:57-70. [PMID: 33276236 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth restriction complicates 10% of pregnancies and increases offspring (F1) risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This disease predisposition can be passed onto the next generation (F2). Importantly, the risk of pregnancy complications in obese women can be exacerbated by a stressful pregnancy. Exercise can reduce adiposity and improve health outcomes in obese women and those with GDM. This study investigated the impacts of maternal growth restriction, obesity, exercise, and stress on fetal and placental endocrine function. METHODS Uteroplacental insufficiency (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in F0 Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a Chow or High-fat (HFD) diet from weaning and, at 16 weeks, were randomly allocated an exercise protocol; Sedentary, Exercised prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise), or Exercised only during pregnancy (PregEx). Females were mated and further randomly allocated to either undergo (Stress), or not undergo (Unstressed), physiological measurements during pregnancy. On E20, F2 fetal plasma (steroid hormones), tissues (brain, liver), and placentae (morphology, stress genes) were collected. RESULTS Maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding had minimal impact on fetoplacental endocrine function. PregEx and Exercise increased cross-sectional labyrinth and junctional zone areas. PregEx, but not Exercise, increased fetal deoxycorticosterone concentrations and reduced placental Hsd11b2 and Nr3c2 gene abundance. Maternal stress increased fetal corticosterone concentrations in Sedentary HFD dams and increased placental cross-sectional areas in PregEx mothers. DISCUSSION PregEx and Stress independently dysregulates the endocrine status of the developing fetus, which may program future disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai Tm Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James Sm Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Clare M Reynolds
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
(1) Background: High stress levels during pregnancy can affect the organogenesis and the foetus’ central nervous system maturation. The objective of this study was to determine whether a relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy and alterations in child neurodevelopment exists; (2) Methods: A bibliographical review was carried out following PRISMA Methodology and using Scopus, Web of Science and Cinahl databases. The research questions were made using PEO methodology (Participants, Exposition, Outcomes). Moreover, article quality was measured using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies; (3) Results: 22 articles that fit the inclusion criteria were selected. Different elements altered because of maternal stress during pregnancy could side with alterations in different areas of the neurodevelopment, such as cognitive development, motor development, behaviour, temperament, memory and learning abilities; (4) Conclusions: Although maternal stress can have an influence on children’s neurodevelopment, it is still unknown which are the specific elements related to this stress that can modify it negatively. Furthermore, future studies should evaluate whether a sex-specific association exists.
Collapse
|
44
|
Prenatal developmental origins of behavior and mental health: The influence of maternal stress in pregnancy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 117:26-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
45
|
Meyer JS, Novak MA. Assessment of prenatal stress-related cortisol exposure: focus on cortisol accumulation in hair and nails. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:409-436. [PMID: 32783213 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress adversely affects offspring development. Although cortisol is hypothesized to be a key mediator of stress-induced developmental deficits, determining the amount of fetal cortisol exposure produced by maternal stress has proved challenging. Current approaches, such as measuring cortisol concentrations in maternal plasma, saliva, or urine, amniotic fluid, fetal plasma, or cord blood, all have significant limitations for assessing cumulative fetal cortisol exposure over time. A recently emerging approach is to measure cortisol concentrations in maternal hair and/or newborn hair or nail samples. Maternal hair cortisol potentially shows long-term production across each trimester of pregnancy, whereas neonatal hair or nail cortisol is thought to reflect mainly third trimester hormone accumulation. This review first describes fetal adrenocortical development, placental cortisol metabolism, and the various sources of fetal cortisol exposure across pregnancy. We then summarize the results obtained from "classical" methods of assessing prenatal cortisol exposure prior to the advent of hair and nail cortisol measurement. Lastly, we discuss the initial development and validation of the hair cortisol methodology, its subsequent application to studies of chronic stress, and recent findings regarding maternal and neonatal hair or nail cortisol concentrations in relation to prenatal stress and other variables of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold S Meyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Melinda A Novak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mayeur A, Binois O, Gallot V, Hesters L, Benoit A, Oppenheimer A, Presse M, Zeghari F, BenguigUi J, Grynberg M, Frydman N, Sonigo C. First follow-up of art pregnancies in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 253:71-75. [PMID: 32805629 PMCID: PMC7836367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective The aims of this study were to follow up the monitoring, health and anxiety from women who became pregnant after an embryo transfer or a intrauterine insemination during the COVID-19 epidemic in France Study Design This is a single centre, retrospective study from December 2019 to March 2020 based on a phone call interview using a specific questionnaire sheet specially developed for this study. Questionnaires from 104 pregnant women were completed and descriptive data are then analyzed. Results Women with ongoing pregnancies (n = 88) did not change their physician visits. The COVID-19 outbreak has created no or few additional stresses for 77 % of pregnant women since the lockdown started. We report a miscarriage rate of 14.4 % (n = 15) and documented 10 patients (11.3 %) who had symptoms related to COVID-19. No severe symptoms and no hospitalization in intensive care unit were identified. Conclusion The epidemic context did not disrupt the medical monitoring of pregnancies and we did not recover an increased rate of miscarriage after ART. None of the patients who had COVID-related symptoms presented with severe clinical manifestations. Surprisingly, pregnant women were psychologically able to experience the lockdown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mayeur
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France.
| | - Olivier Binois
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Vanessa Gallot
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Laetitia Hesters
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Alexandra Benoit
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Anne Oppenheimer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Marion Presse
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Faycal Zeghari
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Jonas BenguigUi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Michael Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Nelly Frydman
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Charlotte Sonigo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Feng Y, Gun S. Melatonin supplement induced the hair follicle development in offspring rex rabbits. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2020; 105:167-174. [PMID: 32686230 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the administration of melatonin (MT) to early post-natal fur-bearing animals increases the numbers of hair follicles (HFs). In this study, the effect of maternal MT supplementation on the HF development in offspring was investigated. To explore the potential underlying mechanisms, the expression of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene was determined in the offspring. The Rex rabbit was the animal model, and 79 same-day-pregnancy females were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 39) or MT treatment (n = 40) group, and 10 mg MT microcapsules was implanted at the base of the neck of rabbits in the treatment group. Skin, lung, liver, muscle, kidney, heart and duodenum samples were collected from the newborn rabbits. The results showed that MT improved fur quality in the offspring rabbits by reducing the diameter of primary and secondary HFs, and increasing the HF population. MT did not affect the reproductive performance of female rabbits, and it did affect the blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin and MT. In the offspring rabbits, MT significantly stimulated MTNR1A gene expression in the skin and heart (p < .01), whereas MTNR1A gene expression was significantly suppressed in the liver and kidney (p < .05). These results revealed that maternal MT supplementation increased HF density, reduced hairiness and improved the fur quality in Rex rabbit offspring. Maternal MT supply may modulate the responses of HFs in the offspring by upregulating the expression of MTNR1A in the skin. In this study, implantation of low-dose MT did not affect the reproductive performance of female rabbits or on the growth of their offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hentges RF, Graham SA, Plamondon A, Tough S, Madigan S. A Developmental Cascade from Prenatal Stress to Child Internalizing and Externalizing Problems. J Pediatr Psychol 2020; 44:1057-1067. [PMID: 31166597 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study utilized a developmental cascade approach to test alternative theories about the underlying mechanisms behind the association of maternal prenatal stress and child psychopathology. The fetal programming hypothesis suggests that prenatal stress affects fetal structural and physiological systems responsible for individual differences in child temperament, which further increases risk for internalizing and externalizing problems. Interpersonal models of stress transmission suggest that maternal stress influences child mental health via early parenting behaviors. We also examined a continuation of stress hypothesis, in which prenatal stress predicts child mental health via the continuation of maternal stress in the postpartum period. METHODS Participants were 1,992 mother-child pairs drawn from a prospective pregnancy cohort. Mothers reported on their perceived stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy and at 4-month postpartum. Birthweight was assessed via medical records of birthweight. At 4-month postpartum, hostile-reactive parenting behaviors were assessed. Child temperamental negative affect was measured at age 3. Child internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed at age 5. RESULTS Prenatal stress was associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems via postnatal stress and child temperament. Prenatal stress was also associated with externalizing behaviors via increased hostile-reactive parenting. After accounting for postnatal factors, prenatal stress continued to have a direct effect on child internalizing, but not externalizing, symptoms. CONCLUSION Results provide support for the fetal programming, interpersonal stress transmission, and continuation of stress models. Findings highlight the need for prenatal preventative programs that continue into the early postnatal period, targeting maternal stress and parenting behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle F Hentges
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
| | - Susan A Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
| | - Andre Plamondon
- Department des fondements et pratiques en éducation, Université Laval.,Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Laws Restricting Access to Abortion Services and Infant Mortality Risk in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113773. [PMID: 32466506 PMCID: PMC7312072 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Since the US Supreme Court′s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, states have enacted laws restricting access to abortion services. Previous studies suggest that restricting access to abortion is a risk factor for adverse maternal and infant health. The objective of this investigation is to study the relationship between the type and the number of state-level restrictive abortion laws and infant mortality risk. Methods: We used data on 11,972,629 infants and mothers from the US Cohort Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Files 2008–2010. State-level abortion laws included Medicaid funding restrictions, mandatory parental involvement, mandatory counseling, mandatory waiting period, and two-visit laws. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine whether type or number of state-level restrictive abortion laws during year of birth were associated with odds of infant mortality. Results: Compared to infants living in states with no restrictive laws, infants living in states with one or two restrictive laws (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99–1.18) and those living in states with 3 to 5 restrictive laws (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.01–1.20) were more likely to die. Separate analyses examining the relationship between parental involvement laws and infant mortality risk, stratified by maternal age, indicated that significant associations were observed among mothers aged ≤19 years (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.00–1.19), and 20 to 25 years (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03–1.17). No significant association was observed among infants born to older mothers. Conclusion: Restricting access to abortion services may increase the risk for infant mortality.
Collapse
|
50
|
Strahm AM, Bagne AG, Rued HA, Larson KJ, Roemmich JN, Hilmert CJ. Prenatal traumatic stress and offspring hair cortisol concentration: A nine year follow up to the Red River flood pregnancy study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 113:104579. [PMID: 31931471 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Findings concerning the relationship between maternal prenatal and child cortisol concentrations are inconsistent. This study examined whether the influence of an objective traumatic stressor during pregnancy, distance from a natural flood disaster, moderated the association between prenatal maternal diurnal cortisol and 9-year old offspring hair cortisol concentrations. METHODS Data were collected from 56 of the mothers who took part in a study of flood-related pregnancy outcomes in 2009 and their children. Data included distance of the maternal home from evacuation areas, four maternal saliva cortisol assessments (waking, 30 min after waking, afternoon, and before bed) provided within 3-months of the flood crest and child hair samples to assess cortisol secretion over the past month. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between proximity to flooding during pregnancy and maternal cortisol AUC predicting child hair cortisol, after controlling for maternal age, gestational age at cortisol sampling, sex of the child, current socioeconomic status and current maternal stress. At greater distance from flooding (lower stress conditions) there was a non-statistically significant positive association between maternal cortisol and child cortisol. In contrast, living closer to flooding (higher stress conditions) produced a significant negative association between maternal and child cortisol. CONCLUSION Experiencing a traumatic stressor during pregnancy may alter maternal-fetal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The direct threat of flooding led to offspring cortisol concentrations that resembled cortisol production seen in mothers with symptoms of PTSD and their offspring. This alteration is evident in nine-year-old offspring and may help explain inconsistencies in the previous literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kate J Larson
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center North Dakota State University, USA
| | - James N Roemmich
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center North Dakota State University, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|