Stress has long been associated with pregnancy outcomes, but a recent study by researchers from Mass General Brigham sheds light on the impact of stress levels before conception. The study, conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, delves into the connection between self-reported stress just before conception in women undergoing fertility treatment and blood glucose levels, a crucial marker of heart health.
Published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, the study reveals that preconception stress is correlated with elevated blood glucose levels, particularly in women utilizing intrauterine insemination (IUI) for conception and those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lead author Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón, Ph.D., MPH, Bpharm, a reproductive epidemiologist at the Brigham’s Channing Division of Network Medicine and co-investigator of the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study, emphasized the increasing prevalence of stress, especially among couples facing challenges in natural conception. The study aimed to assess how preconception stress influences health during pregnancy, potentially impacting both the mother and child in the long run.
The research involved data analysis from the EARTH study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center between 2004 and 2019, focusing on 398 women aged 18 to 45. Participants self-reported their preconception-perceived stress levels upon study entry, with additional clinical and sociodemographic information collected through medical records and questionnaires.
The results indicated that women with higher preconception stress experienced elevated blood glucose levels. Notably, those undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) exhibited both increased stress and blood sugar levels compared to those opting for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Furthermore, women of higher socioeconomic status displayed higher levels of preconception stress and blood glucose during pregnancy, suggesting a potential correlation with demanding professional roles.
The study underscored the importance of addressing stress, especially in women with higher incomes and education levels who may face additional challenges in balancing work and household responsibilities. The findings, while notable, are limited to a predominantly white, high socioeconomic status group seeking fertility care, and the reliance on self-reported stress levels introduces a potential bias.
Mínguez-Alarcón urged the public health significance of the results, considering the escalating rates of stress and its implications for cardiovascular health. She suggested practical strategies for women to reduce stress, including increased physical activity, avoiding substance use, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding isolation. With limited research in this field, the study opens avenues for further exploration of variables such as sleep quality and neighborhood safety, as well as the potential impact of preconception stress on the baby’s health.
