A preliminary study to assess the impact of maternal age on stress-related variables in healthy nulliparous women

2017

Purpose: Childbearing age has progressively increased in industrialized countries. The impact of this delay on motherhood, however, requires further research. Methods: The study sample included a prospective cohort of healthy nulliparous pregnant women aged between 18 and 40 years (n = 148) assessed at 38 weeks gestation (Time#1, T1), 48 h after birth (Time#2, T2), and 3 months after birth (Time#3, T3). The effect of age on psychological, biological, and social variables was evaluated. Maternal psychological symptoms in terms of depression and anxiety were assessed at T1-T3; and parenting stress at T3. Stress biomarkers (cortisol, alpha-amylase) were determined in mothers at T1-T3. Question…