Mitigating Response to Stressors in the Pregnant Woman
Nova Southeastern University
Summary
Stress-induced pregnancy complications are significant contributors to preterm labor as well as maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The goals of this study are two folds: first it aims to capture the pregnant woman's journey to seek and receive prenatal care. Second, this study aims to develop models that 1) assess the adverse health and biological effects of social factors on pregnant women who experience repeated or chronic stress, 2) address how stress can be mitigated in pregnant women from different backgrounds who experience high stress.
Description
Maternal stress-induced complications are correlated with gestational hypertension, infant low birth weight, and developmental disruption. Various social determinants of health are contributors to stress in pregnant women; factors such as socioeconomic status, education, access to prenatal care, and neighborhood conditions are some of the most identified psychosocial causes of prenatal stress. Further, chronic psychosocial stress is identified as a significant contributor to biophysiological damages such as accelerated telomere shortening in the mother as well as the offspring. Using a public…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–37 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: in 24 weeks gestation or more * between 21 and 37 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * in less than 24 weeks gestation * high risk pregnancies
Interventions
- BehavioralSimulated stimuli
Participants will be exposed to a video stimuli in order to assess biophysiological and physiological responses to the stressor and relaxant.
- BehavioralStress Management
Participants will practice stress management and stress reduction at home, independently.
Location
- Nova Southeastern UniversityDavie, Florida