Maternal Depressive Symptoms Linked to Slower Fetal Growth
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2023 -- Maternal depressive symptoms are associated with slower fetal growth rate in the critical rapid growth stage (CRGS) before delivery, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in JAMA Network Open.
Lu Zhang, M.P.H., from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, and colleagues conducted a prospective multicenter birth cohort study to examine the association between maternal depressive symptoms and fetal growth during the CRGS before delivery. A total of 2,676 mother-offspring dyads were included.
The researchers observed a significant correlation between a higher score of depressive symptoms in mothers and a slower rate of fetal growth across femur length, abdominal circumference, and estimated fetal weight (β = −0.40, −1.97, and −50.11, respectively) after adjustment for confounders. In female fetuses or those with better family socioeconomic conditions, these associations were found to be stronger.
"These findings underscore the importance of early detection and management of maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy, particularly among women with higher socioeconomic status or female fetuses," the authors write.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted December 2023
Read this next
Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels Higher in Black Than White Women
FRIDAY, May 31, 2024 -- Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are higher in Black than White pregnant women, supporting the use of accounting for these differences in...
Teens May Experience Delays in Bipolar Progression After Major Depressive Disorder
FRIDAY, May 31, 2024 -- Adolescents may experience delayed bipolar disorder (BD) progression after major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis, according to a study published online...
Teen Smartphone Use Positively Tied to Mood
THURSDAY, May 30, 2024 -- Adolescent smartphone use is positively associated with mood, according to a study published online May 29 in PLOS ONE. Matt Minich, Ph.D., and...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.