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Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Elizabeth Masten
Abstract
Many pregnant women are plagued by the fear that peripartum stress actually has negative cognitive effects on their children. The research does indicate that there is some correlation between obstetric anxiety or depression and increased propensities toward childhood mental illness. Given this information, primary care providers should educate women about the risks unabated stress can have on their child, with a specific focus on stress reduction techniques and a frequent dialogue regarding mental well-being in the primary care setting. Policies can also be adopted to address mental health concerns by utilizing psychiatric midwives who can check on mothers more frequently than primary care providers can. Ultimately, greater awareness and education on the effects of peripartum stress on a child's well-being can reduce some of the deleterious effects noted in early childhood.
Recommended Citation
Reeves, Samuel, "What to expect when your patient is expecting: Education, stress and pregnancy" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 13.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/13
What to expect when your patient is expecting: Education, stress and pregnancy
Many pregnant women are plagued by the fear that peripartum stress actually has negative cognitive effects on their children. The research does indicate that there is some correlation between obstetric anxiety or depression and increased propensities toward childhood mental illness. Given this information, primary care providers should educate women about the risks unabated stress can have on their child, with a specific focus on stress reduction techniques and a frequent dialogue regarding mental well-being in the primary care setting. Policies can also be adopted to address mental health concerns by utilizing psychiatric midwives who can check on mothers more frequently than primary care providers can. Ultimately, greater awareness and education on the effects of peripartum stress on a child's well-being can reduce some of the deleterious effects noted in early childhood.