ARTICLE ANALYSIS

Article Analysis - Stress During Pregnancy Can Affect Fetus

Article Analysis - Stress during pregnancy can affect fetus

Introduction

Over recent years, several studies have been pointing out that the intense stress during pregnancy, for example by a strong pressure at work, partner abuse, life events like death of a close relative, or even rejection of an unwanted pregnancy, may have important implications, as we shall see. Does this mean that mothers are responsible to suffer stress and transmit it to their babies? Absolutely not. The most common is that pregnant women can not do anything to change their situation or the experiences that suffers. Should a woman feel guilty for being fired while pregnant (when it is even possible that the cause of dismissal is the pregnancy itself)? Should accuse herself suffer for the death of a beloved family?

Discussion

At best, we can be aware, before pregnancy, the importance of well-being. Perhaps some women would improve our way of life to enjoy peace of mind during pregnancy. Many do not have that luck. Therefore, it is rather the society as a whole that should be made aware of the need to protect and ensure the emotional well-being of pregnant women. For them and for their children. One consequence of severe maternal stress have been reported more insistent during the last decade is the increased incidence of premature births and low birth weight. Studies on this subject are so numerous that there have been several review articles summarizing the knowledge accumulated to date. In general, the hypothesis of the researchers is that high levels of stress hormones associated with depression and anxiety, such as cortisol, can reduce blood supply to the placenta and induce premature labor.

A new study to be published in the August 2009 American Journal of Public Health shows that hard work ...