NurseWeek

Best birth: with a little help from friends

By Bradford G. Brokaw
Health24News
September 23, 2000


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Washington (H24N). A woman’s circle of friends, her family and the support she receives from the father of her baby can all make a difference in the development of the fetus, according to a recent study. Published in the September/October Psychosomatic Medicine, the study connects the psychological to the physical and adds to the body of research showing that people with strong social networks are healthier overall. Researchers at the University of California at Davis found that women with strong social support delivered babies with a higher birth weight, while women with less or no support delivered underweight babies. An infant’s weight at the time of birth is crucial because low birth weight can place the baby at risk for numerous health complications. Researchers interviewed approximately 250 pregnant women and asked them if the baby’s father would help out with the baby emotionally and financially, if the baby’s grandparents would be involved and if the women had friends to turn to for support.

Study results showed even after taking into account other risk factors for low birth weight such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, premature delivery or a history of abortion or stillbirth, social support still independently affected the baby’s health. Researchers say psychological support may affect the fetus’ nervous system and help improve fetal growth. Women who have social support may also already engage in healthier habits and may be more likely to seek medical treatment if they are having health problems. "It is critical that psychological risk factors that contribute to low birth weight and fetal growth restriction are identified," said lead study author Pamela Feldman, "especially given the implication for infant morbidity and mortality, healthcare costs and parenting stress." Feldman adds that it’s not enough to improve just external support to pregnant women, by providing nurses, clinicians, and health care providers. Internal support-such as friends, family and the father of the baby-is what counts.