Mitigating Response to Stressors in Pregnant Women

Last updated: January 6, 2025
Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Pregnancy

Treatment

Stress Management

Simulated stimuli

Clinical Study ID

NCT06718907
NSU 2023-231
  • Ages 21-37
  • Female
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Stress-induced pregnancy complications are significant contributors to preterm labor as well as maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The goals of this study are two folds: first it aims to capture the pregnant woman's journey to seek and receive prenatal care. Second, this study aims to develop models that 1) assess the adverse health and biological effects of social factors on pregnant women who experience repeated or chronic stress, 2) address how stress can be mitigated in pregnant women from different backgrounds who experience high stress.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria: in 24 weeks gestation or more

  • between 21 and 37 years of age

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • in less than 24 weeks gestation

  • high risk pregnancies

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Stress Management
Phase:
Study Start date:
December 20, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2026

Study Description

Maternal stress-induced complications are correlated with gestational hypertension, infant low birth weight, and developmental disruption. Various social determinants of health are contributors to stress in pregnant women; factors such as socioeconomic status, education, access to prenatal care, and neighborhood conditions are some of the most identified psychosocial causes of prenatal stress. Further, chronic psychosocial stress is identified as a significant contributor to biophysiological damages such as accelerated telomere shortening in the mother as well as the offspring. Using a public health approach, this research study proposes to gather evidence to assess how response to stress is modulated and how it is captured in and affects pregnant women, with history of prolonged exposure to harmful stressors. More relevant to this study, individuals who have repeated exposure to stressors have poorly managed response to stress and display frequent elevated heart rates due to biological and physiological disruptions. Evidence from the literature suggests that having a support system and utilizing stress management techniques moderate and buffer the effects of stress on physiological measures while facilitating emotional recovery.

Connect with a study center

  • Nova Southeastern University

    Davie, Florida 33314
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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