Role of Anxiety during Pregnancy in Preterm Delivery

Preterm delivery has considerable social, economical, and mental effects on the neonate and his or her family. Factors predisposing to and preventing preterm delivery are still not clearly recognized. However, as some studies have shown psychologic factors to play a role, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of anxiety in inducing preterm delivery. This cohort study was conducted in Sari, Mazandaran Province, in the North of Iran, from 2005 through 2006. A consecutive series of 282 singleton pregnant women who referred for routine prenatal care entered the study. Anxiety was assessed using self-administered Spielbergerʹs state-trait anxiety questionnaire. The 75th percentile was used for anxiety scores. The mean score of state and trait anxiety of the cases was 38.5±9.9 (20 – 74) and 41.2±9.2 (20 – 77), respectively. There was a significant statistical relationship between state anxiety and preterm delivery (P=0.02, RR=2. 71), and trait anxiety and preterm delivery (P=0.009, RR=1.59). Further studies incorporating multiple psychosocial domains, gaining information about womenʹs social environment, life circumstances, and possible biologic pathways through which anxiety and stress operate may reinforce our understanding of the role of stress in pregnancy.