Psychosocial Stress, Anxiety and Pregnancy Complications: Issues for Public Policy

A review of the literature regarding the relationship between psychosocial
stress, anxiety, and occupation on pregnancy complications reveals several interesting patterns. Specifically,
emotional reactions during pregnancy (McDonald 1968; Joffe, 1969; Spielberger &Jacobs, 1976) and stress
before pregnancy (Gorsuch, 1974) have been associated with a larger number of pregnancy complications such
as miscarriages, prolonged labor, breech births, and premature births. With approximately 63% of women over
the age of 16 working (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1984), public policy changes may be needed to ensure
the safety of the fetus. This paper will review the literature and provide suggestions for ameliorating stress for
working women who become pregnant. Preventative programs may include disseminating information, granting
pregnancy leaves, reducing work loads, and providing supportive work environments. Summary A review of the
literature regarding the relationship between psychosocial stress, anxiety, and occupation on pregnancy
complications reveals several interesting patterns.