Antenatal Depression, Anxiety, and Preterm Birth: The Role of Cortisol and Potential Moderators

• Applicant: Dr. Elfriede Simone Florina Frey
• Subject Area: Gynaecology and Obstetrics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 563932396

Children born preterm face an increased risk for mortality and morbidity with impairment of physical health and neurodevelopment, making preterm birth a global challenge with wide-ranging consequences. Preterm birth affects over 10 % of all live births worldwide. Even though several risk factors for preterm birth have been described, for many cases seen in clinical practice risk factors for preterm birth remain unidentified. The body’s response to stressors depends on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which changes during pregnancy. The presence of antenatal depression and anxiety is associated with a higher risk for preterm birth. Furthermore, studies with pregnant women show associations between the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and mood as well as between cortisol levels and preterm birth. Fetal sex and maternal history of childhood maltreatment may moderate these associations. This research project aims to further characterize the associations between antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms, maternal cortisol levels, and gestational age at birth as well as the risk for preterm birth while including fetal sex and maternal childhood trauma as potential moderators. Results of this research project may contribute to improvements in the prevention, diagnosis of preterm birth as well as treatments for it.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professorin Catherine Monk, Ph.D.