Stress and stress reduction

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Sep;57(3):579-606. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000038.

Abstract

Chronic stress contributes to preterm birth (PTB), through direct physiological mechanisms or behavioral pathways. This review identified interventions to prevent PTB through decreased maternal stress. Studies were grouped according to intervention: group prenatal care (11 studies), care coordination (8 studies), health insurance expansion (4 studies), expanded prenatal education/support in the clinic (8 studies), home visitation (9 studies), telephone contact (2 studies), or stress-reduction strategies (5 studies). Group prenatal care had the most evidence for PTB prevention. Comparative studies of PTB prevention through different models of prenatal care and maternal support, education, empowerment, stress-reduction, and coping strategies are needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Status Disparities
  • House Calls
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / ethnology
  • Premature Birth / etiology
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control*
  • Premature Birth / psychology
  • Prenatal Care / methods*
  • Prenatal Care / organization & administration
  • Prenatal Care / psychology
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy*
  • United States / epidemiology