THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A MOTHER'S MENTAL STATE (DEPRESSION, STRESS) DURING PREGNANCY AND NEONATAL COMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47390/ydif-y2026v2i17/n26Keywords:
antenatal depression, prenatal stress, neonatal complications, preterm birth, low birth weight, HPA axis, cortisol.Abstract
A mother's mental state during pregnancy—specifically depression and chronic stress—significantly affects the health of not only the woman herself but also the developing fetus and the newborn. Based on an analysis of contemporary scientific literature, this article examines the associations between antenatal depression and stress and outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and other neonatal complications. It also analyzes the potential biological mechanisms underlying these links (e.g., alterations in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, placental transfer of cortisol, etc.). The literature review indicates that untreated antenatal depression and high levels of psychological stress significantly increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight; therefore, screening for mental health issues and providing timely support during pregnancy are of great practical importance.
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