%A Sabri, Youmna %A Nabel, Hanan %T The impact of anxiety and depression during pregnancy on fetal growth and the birth outcome %9 Original Article %D 2015 %J Egyptian Journal of Psychiatry %R 10.4103/1110-1105.158117 %P 95-100 %V 36 %N 2 %U https://new.ejpsy.eg.net//article.asp?issn=1110-1105;year=2015;volume=36;issue=2;spage=95;epage=100;aulast=Sabri %8 May 1, 2015 %X Background Maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy have been reported in some, but not all, studies to be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of preterm birth and IUGR associated with antenatal anxiety and depression during early pregnancy and to evaluate their impact on fetal growth and the birth outcome. Patients and methods The following measures were applied to 54 pregnant mothers: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Scale (EPDS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and fetal biometric data and behavior were recorded during ultrasound examination at 24-36 weeks of gestation and the placental blood perfusion was measured by Doppler assessment of the systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D ratio) of the umbilical artery in the third trimester. Results This study revealed that women with depressive and anxiety symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy exhibit an increased likelihood of having oligohydramnios, IUGR, diminished placental perfusion, and preterm labor. Conclusion This study provides evidence that maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy are associated with various fetal developmental problems. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 1110-1105