Stressed pregnant women can be at risk

DENVER, April 6 (UPI) -- Highly stressed pregnant women who have low social support are at risk for premature labor and preeclampsia, says a U.S. study.

"Psychosocial factors can affect levels of C-reactive protein in serum in mid and late pregnancy," Mary Coussons-Read, of the University of Colorado at Denver, said in a statement.

The stress has been linked to increased immune system activity, which can trigger inflammatory responses and put the expectant mothers at risk for premature labor and preeclampsia, according to the study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

Fifty-two pregnant women ages 18 to 34 completed a questionnaire once a trimester that measured psychological stress and social support. The women also had blood tests to measure the inflammatory immune system responses involving increases in two proteins -- cytokines and C-reactive protein.