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New research has found that teaching expectant parents to reduce stress, depression and anxiety can result in better birth outcomes. The findings were reported the Maternal and Child Health Journal.
In this study, 399 couples expecting their first child were randomly assigned to either a series of classes aimed at reducing parental stress, depression and anxiety or a control group. Those participating in the intervention program called Family Foundations were offered a total of nine classes, five during pregnancy and four after birth.
"We also found consistent evidence across all three risk indicators measured -- financial stress, depression and anxiety -- that duration of both mother and infant stay in the hospital was reduced for intervention couples compared to controls at higher levels of risk," Feinberg said.
Couples participated in a survey at the start of the study that helped the researchers assess the mothers' levels of depression, anxiety and financial strain as measured by items assessing hardship due to lack of resources, recent need to reduce standard of living and difficulty living on current income.
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