Influence of psychological factors during pregnancy on birth defects

  Objective  To analyze influence mode and intensity of psychological factors during pregnancy on birth defects among the childbearing women in Shaanxi province.

  Methods  Cross-sectional survey design and stratified multistage random sampling were adopted in the study. The survey was conducted in 30 districts and counties of Shaanxi province among 26 167 pregnant women with definite pregnancy outcomes during the period from 2010 to 2013. A hypothesis model was established based on the results of previous researches. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the effects of psychological factors during pregnancy on birth defects.

  Results  Among the participants, the prevalence of birth defects was 1.83%, higher than the national average level (1.10% – 1.40%); the prevalence rate was 2.00% and 1.23% among the rural and urban participants, with a significant difference (χ² = 15.343, P < 0.001). Structural equation model analysis demonstrated that adverse mental factors exerted negative effect on birth defects, with an effect ratio of 7.30% (path coefficient = 0.073, P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  The prevalence rate of birth defects in Shaanxi province is higher than the average national level and the prevalence rate is higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Adverse mental status during pregnancy is a risk factor for birth defects and exerts a direct negative effect on birth defects.