Monday 26 September 2022 05:14 PM Women who worry about their pregnancies are more likely to give birth ... trends now
View
comments
It's a normal reaction for any expectant mother.
But worrying during pregnancy may raise the risk of a premature birth, a study suggested Monday.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles found those who suffered anxiety had a significantly higher risk of going into labor early.
They are now calling for more pregnant women to be screened for the condition, saying anxiety is a 'potent' risk factor.
More than one in 10 women are estimated to suffer from anxiety at some point during gestation, previous research indicates.
Women who are anxious in pregnancy are significantly more likely to have a premature birth, a study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, suggests (file)
It is thought this can lead to premature birth because it raises stress hormone levels which can trigger labor under certain conditions.
Babies born prematurely — more than three weeks before their estimated due date, normally pre-week 37 — are at higher risk for a host of conditions including breathing problems, infections and jaundice or yellowing of the eyes. Some studies also suggest their brains may develop differently compared to other infants.
