Midwifery Practice Questions Related

Review Midwifery Practice Questions related questions and content

What is the impact of maternal stress on fetal development?

  • A. Can cause low birth weight
  • B. Increases the risk of preterm labor
  • C. Affects brain development
  • D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because maternal stress can indeed lead to low birth weight, increase the risk of preterm labor, and affect brain development in the fetus. Stress hormones can interfere with the placental function, affecting the transfer of nutrients to the fetus and leading to low birth weight. Stress can also trigger early contractions, potentially resulting in preterm labor. Furthermore, maternal stress can impact fetal brain development through the release of stress hormones that can alter the development of the fetal brain structures. Therefore, all of the choices (A, B, and C) are correct in demonstrating the impact of maternal stress on fetal development.