Study shows correlation between prenatal anxiety and preterm births

Maternal mental health is a dense topic that typically enters the conversation after childbirth - but what about during pregnancy?  While postpartum mental health concerns like postpartum depression and other mood and anxiety disorders are generally top of mind when it comes to maternal mental health, it is equally important to shift our focus towards mental health in the prenatal stages.

Anxiety in particular is one of the most common mental health conditions that pregnant women suffer from and, if ignored, can have adverse effects on outcomes. In a study conducted by American Psychological Association and Society for Health Psychology, research shows the correlation between anxiety during pregnancy and preterm births, emphasizing the importance of prenatal mental health screenings and interventions.

The Study: Unveiling the Link between Anxiety and Preterm Births

In the study, researchers utilized four different anxiety scales to comprehensively assess the mental well-being of expectant mothers. The study revealed that pregnancy-related anxiety during the third trimester exhibited the strongest correlation with earlier births. 

Furthermore, the findings indicated that general anxiety experienced early in pregnancy could predispose women to heightened anxiety later on. Concerns related to medical risks, the baby, labor and delivery, and parenting played a significant role in exacerbating anxiety levels as pregnancy progressed.

Addressing Perinatal Anxiety: Screening and Support

The outcomes of this study underline the critical importance of identifying and addressing anxiety in expectant mothers, not only during the postpartum period but throughout the entire pregnancy journey. Here are some key ways to effectively address perinatal anxiety:

Early Screening: Just as routine depression screenings are commonly conducted during pregnancy, incorporating screenings for general anxiety early in the pregnancy can help identify at-risk women. Early detection allows for timely interventions and support systems to be put in place.

Childbirth Education: Anxiety in pregnancy can often stem from the element of the unknown. How will childbirth play out? How will my breastfeeding experience be? How will I manage to take care of a newborn baby? Though it is impossible to predict what all of these experiences will look like, equipping expectant mothers with adequate prenatal education can help make the prospect of childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care a lot less daunting. 

Therapy and Counseling: Mental health professionals experienced in perinatal care can offer therapy and counseling sessions to address anxiety and provide coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in managing anxiety during pregnancy and can be an effective treatment option.

Peer Support Networks: Encouraging women to join support groups or connect with other expectant mothers who have experienced or are currently experiencing anxiety can foster a sense of community and understanding. Peer support networks allow women to share their stories, seek advice, and find solace in the shared experiences of others.

As we continue to prioritize maternal health, it is imperative that we recognize the significance of maternal mental well-being, starting from the prenatal period and extending beyond childbirth. The study conducted by The American Psychological Association and Society for Health Psychology emphasizes the strong correlation between anxiety during pregnancy and preterm births. 

By implementing early screening, offering opportunities for prenatal education, and providing appropriate support systems, we can effectively address perinatal anxiety and promote healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies. By investing in the mental health of expectant mothers, we pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for families worldwide.

Did you know?

Penn Medicine conducted a study that showed patients with access to the Birthly platform had significantly lower scores on the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS).  PrAS is divided into 8 domains: childbirth  concerns, body image concerns, attitudes towards childbirth, worry about self, acceptance of  pregnancy, attitudes towards medical staff, avoidance, and baby concerns. Scores range from 32-128 with a higher score indicating greater pregnancy-related anxiety.  Patients in the Birthly program had significantly lower third trimester PrAS scores (indicating  265 lower anxiety) compared to usual care, 44.6 ± 7.3 vs. 53.9 ± 13.8, p<0.01, with a  266 decrease in PrAS score of 8.3 points (intervention) vs. 0.7 (usual care), p<0.01. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how Birthly partners with health providers to improve access to childbirth education go to www.mybirthly.com/partners or email info@mybirthly.com.

Sources: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/hea-hea0001210.pdf; https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/09/pregnancy-anxiety#:~:text=The%20study%20was%20published%20in,before%2037%20weeks%20of%20pregnancy ; https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b320a7b96d455985048fe2e/t/63ea589f30fe412af3b30eeb/1676302495370/Birthly+Abstract+One-Pager+2.5.2023.pdf?__hstc=121114071.dbc95533ce91c76a31e5aa200c63e3d1.1676388119589.1677530699577.1677773454174.30&__hssc=121114071.1.1677773454174&__hsfp=1328628976