| Abstract: | ![]()
Reviews the evidence on the influence of maternal anxiety on the course and outcome of pregnancy. It is suggested that the impact of stress may be moderated by factors including trait anxiety, attitudes toward the pregnancy, appraisal of the stress, psychosocial support, and coping strategies. Heightened anxiety may have direct implications for uterine physiology and fetal health and development, as well as indirect effects through prompting behaviors that are contraindicated in pregnancy, such as smoking or alcohol consumption. The implications of this framework for prenatal care are considered in terms of reducing anxiety levels and promoting adherence to prenatal health care recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
