The important connection: psychological wellbeing during pregnancy and birth outcomes.

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Author: Staneva, Aleksandra
• Date: 01 August 2013

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Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Infants born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) are at a greater risk for a variety of health, emotional and developmental problems and present a considerable emotional and economic cost to families and the health care sector.

According to the Born Too Soon Report (WHO 2012) PTB rates, particularly in developed countries, have been steadily increasing despite general improvements in health. Pregnancy, once believed to be a time of greater emotional wellbeing for women, is now evidenced to be associated with a range of mood disorders, with some...