NIH STUDY INVESTIGATES LINK BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Retrieved on:
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Birth weight, Depression, University, Pregnancy, ECHO, Biophysical environment, Bangladesh Technical Education Board, Research, Infant, Maternal health, Social support, Sympathy, Lifestyle (social sciences), California State University, Dominguez Hills, California State University, Hipwell, COVID-19, Doctor of Philosophy, Birth control, Nursing, Psychological Medicine
Pregnant women who reported receiving more emotional support and engaging in more physical activity before and during the pandemic had lower stress and fewer symptoms of depression.
Key Points:
- Pregnant women who reported receiving more emotional support and engaging in more physical activity before and during the pandemic had lower stress and fewer symptoms of depression.
- The results also showed that the duration of pregnancies during the pandemic were slightly shorter on average, but there was no impact on infant birth weight.
- "Providing access to emotional support and mental health care during pregnancy and encouraging more physical activity may help to improve maternal health," said Alison Hipwell, PhD, ClinPsyD, an ECHO Program investigator at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Impact of Sedentary Behavior and Emotional Support on Prenatal Psychological Distress and Birth Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.