How does this article expand your understanding of psychology or the human condition?
Stress
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Health Buzz: Stress Before Pregnancy Could Lower Babys Birth Weight
Chronic stress should be improved prior to pregnancy researchers say.
By Samantha Costa | Staff Writer US NEWS
March 23 2016 at 12:16 p.m.
Women with chronic stress are more likely to deliver a baby who weighs less at birth even if the stress occurs before they become pregnant. Thats according to a study published online Feb. 4 in Health Psychology.
Low birth weight less than 5 pounds 8 ounces affects about 1 in every 12 babies in the U.S. according to the March of Dimes.
In the new study researchers at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles analyzed data from 142 women who were participating in a study with the Community Child Health Network a collaboration of health scientists and community partners that investigates mothers and childrens health in poor and ethnic minority families. That study examined how chronic stress affects new parents and their babies.
The UCLA researchers examined the saliva samples of women? from Los Angeles; the District of Columbia; Baltimore; Lake County Illinois; ?and eastern North Carolina one month after childs birth and again when he or she was 6- 12- and 18-months-old.? The womens stress levels were measured based on blood pressure? body mass index and cortisol levels a hormone the body releases in response to stressful events.
Researchers found that elevated cortisol patterns linked to stress were associated with delivering a baby that weighs less at birth. Interviews with participants revealed their biggest stressors were related to finances family relationships neighborhood a family death interpersonal violence and racism.
Womens cortisol levels normally increase by two to four times during pregnancy.? Once levels increase beyond that theres a risk of reduced blood flow to the fetus which can affect ??growth and development. Women should try to reducing stress well ahead of planning a pregnancy? says study author Chris Dunkel Schetter a professor of psychology at UCLA.
Improving pre-conception health can profoundly improve our overall health she said in a UCLA press release. Women should treat depression evaluate and treat stress be sure they are in a healthy relationship be physically active stop smoking and gather family support. All of the things that create an optimal pregnancy and healthy life for the mother should be done before getting pregnant.
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