Distinct effects of general psychological distress and COVID-19-specific fear during pregnancy on gestational age and infant birth weight
COVID-19-specific fear is a unique and significant risk factor for shorter gestational age and lower infant birth weight, distinct from general psychological distress. These findings highlight the need to assess and address pandemic-specific fears in perinatal populations to mitigate adverse birth outcomes during public health crises. Targeted interventions for specific fears may be necessary beyond general mental health support.
Authors
- Dongmei Lin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0993-3590)
- Bing Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9389-3327)
- Qian-Nan Ruan
- Li Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3988-5865)
- Jing-Jing Xie
- Cheng-Han Li
Institutions
- Wenzhou Medical University (CN)
- Ruian People's Hospital (CN)
- Wenzhou City People's Hospital (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Global Women s Health
- Published
- 2026-02-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2026.1653126
- Primary Topic
- Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Science and Technology Plan Project of Wenzhou, China