Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2016
Abstract
Allostatic load, or the “wear and tear” on the body due to stress, is thought to have a negative impact on length of pregnancy and contribute to health disparities in preterm birth. However, the magnitude of the effect on birth outcomes is unknown, in part due to questions of timing of measurement of allostatic load during pregnancy. This study used linear regression analysis of data from 156 pregnant women to test whether allostatic load is a predictor of length of gestation in the study sample, finding that third trimester allostatic load predicted length of gestation among women with full-term births. The study also compared allostatic load in each trimester to determine an optimal time of measurement for prediction of preterm birth. Findings were inconclusive because regardless of trimester of measurement, allostatic load was not a significant predictor of gestational length in the sample. Finally, the study compared allostatic load with scores on the Everyday Stressors Index, a psychosocial measure, to understand the relative benefits of allostatic load measurement during pregnancy. Neither was found to be a statistically significant predictor of preterm birth, so direct comparisons were not possible. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Copyright
Copyright © 2016, Molly Malany Sayre
eCommons Citation
Sayre, Molly Malany, "Maternal Allostatic Load During Pregnancy: Predicting Length of Gestation" (2016). Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Faculty Publications. 58.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/soc_fac_pub/58
Comments
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Director: Dr. Melanie D. Otis, Professor of Social Work
Document is provided with the permission of the author. Permission documentation is on file. Any information used from this research must be cited appropriately.