News | Stress Before Pregnancy May Affect Blood Glucose During Pregnancy
A study suggests that psychological stress before pregnancy may be associated with higher blood glucose during pregnancy. The finding offers a new perspective on how stress may affect pregnancy outcomes, particularly among women experiencing fertility problems.
The study was conducted by the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study team at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society on January 9, 2024.
Background
Stress levels have risen in recent years, particularly among women. Stress is especially common among women undergoing fertility treatment. It is not only a psychological challenge; by affecting glucose metabolism, it may also influence pregnancy outcomes. During the critical preconception period, environmental and lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, pollution, and poor diet may affect pregnancy health and contribute to conditions such as preeclampsia.
Methods and Results
The study examined the relationship between women's perceived stress before pregnancy and blood glucose during pregnancy. All participants were patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. They completed the four-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) before pregnancy and underwent glucose screening later in pregnancy.
Women with higher psychological stress had higher blood glucose during pregnancy. Glucose levels continued to rise with stress level after accounting for age, body mass index (BMI), race, smoking, physical activity, education, parity, and method of conception. The study also found that women with higher education and income, and those who conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI), were more likely to have elevated blood glucose during pregnancy.
Significance
The study indicates a close association between high stress before pregnancy and elevated blood glucose during pregnancy, particularly among highly educated women and those who conceived through IUI. The results further highlight the importance of preconception stress management for cardiovascular health during pregnancy. Future studies should include more women from diverse communities, racial groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure that the findings are broadly applicable.
News | Stress Before Pregnancy May Affect Blood Glucose During Pregnancy
News | Stress Before Pregnancy May Affect Blood Glucose During Pregnancy
A study suggests that psychological stress before pregnancy may be associated with higher blood glucose during pregnancy. The finding offers a new perspective on how stress may affect pregnancy outcomes, particularly among women experiencing fertility problems.
The study was conducted by the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study team at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society on January 9, 2024.
Background
Stress levels have risen in recent years, particularly among women. Stress is especially common among women undergoing fertility treatment. It is not only a psychological challenge; by affecting glucose metabolism, it may also influence pregnancy outcomes. During the critical preconception period, environmental and lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, pollution, and poor diet may affect pregnancy health and contribute to conditions such as preeclampsia.
Methods and Results
The study examined the relationship between women's perceived stress before pregnancy and blood glucose during pregnancy. All participants were patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. They completed the four-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) before pregnancy and underwent glucose screening later in pregnancy.
Women with higher psychological stress had higher blood glucose during pregnancy. Glucose levels continued to rise with stress level after accounting for age, body mass index (BMI), race, smoking, physical activity, education, parity, and method of conception. The study also found that women with higher education and income, and those who conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI), were more likely to have elevated blood glucose during pregnancy.
Significance
The study indicates a close association between high stress before pregnancy and elevated blood glucose during pregnancy, particularly among highly educated women and those who conceived through IUI. The results further highlight the importance of preconception stress management for cardiovascular health during pregnancy. Future studies should include more women from diverse communities, racial groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure that the findings are broadly applicable.
Story source:
Collected online