Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Perinatal Distress In Women In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: Allostatic Load As A Framework To Examine The Effect Of Perinatal Distress On Preterm Birth And Infant Health, Shahirose Sadrudin Premji

School of Nursing & Midwifery

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), determinants of women's and children's health are complex and differential vulnerability may exist to risk factors of perinatal distress and preterm birth. We examined the contribution of maternal perinatal distress on preterm birth and infant health in terms of infant survival and mother-infant interaction. A critical narrative and interpretive literature review was conducted. Peer-reviewed electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINHAL), grey literature, and reference lists were searched, followed by a consultation exercise. The literature was predominantly from high-income countries. We identify determinants of perinatal distress and explicate changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, sympathetic, …