The pregnant uterus as a psycho-endocrine organ

Abstract

The pathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB) is largely unknown and the endocrine stress pathway is likely to participate in the mechanisms allowing onset of labor. However, the vast majority of the studies evaluating psychosocial distress denied an association with PTB. Uterine contractility rather than PTB seems associated with distress in pregnancy.

Keywords::

• Psychosocial stress
• pregnancy
• contractions
• preterm birth
• stress hormones

Declaration of interest: The authors state no conflicts of interest.