Babies are more likely to be born prematurely when either their father or mother has had a psychiatric diagnosis, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Karolinska Institutet and published July 20 in the open access journal PLOS Medicine.
The research shows, for the first time, that the risk of preterm birth is higher in infants whose father or mother has a psychiatric diagnosis than in those whose parents do not, and higher still when both parents have such diagnoses.
Preterm birth is associated with negative health consequences for infants. Women with psychiatric diagnoses have long been known to be at increased risk for preterm birth, but less is known about the risk in offspring of fathers with psychiatric diagnoses and couples where both parents had psychiatric diagnoses.
A recent study published in a leading medical journal has unveiled a concerning link between fathers’ mental health and an increased risk of preterm birth. Researchers from a renowned university analyzed data from thousands of pregnancies and discovered that paternal mental illness significantly affects pregnancy outcomes. The study found that fathers who experienced mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions, had a higher likelihood of preterm birth in their partners.
Preterm birth, defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation, can have serious health consequences for both the baby and the mother. Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of developmental delays, respiratory problems, and other complications. Moreover, mothers may face increased physical and emotional challenges during and after childbirth.
Understanding the impact of fathers’ mental health on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for providing comprehensive care and support to expectant parents. This study sheds light on the need for mental health screenings and interventions for mothers and fathers during the prenatal period.
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