The relationship between maternal posttraumatic stress disorder and adverse birth outcomes in the United States: A meta-analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding how maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relates to birth outcomes is important for advancing maternal and infant well-being. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal PTSD diagnosis and adverse birth outcomes in U.S. populations. Method: PubMed, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, and Health Source Nursing Academic Edition databases were searched for original research published in peer-reviewed journals from January 1, 1980, to August 1, 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion comprised those reporting an odds ratio or sufficient data to calculate the association between PTSD diagnosis and preterm birth or low birth weight in U.S.-based populations. Study selection was completed at the abstract and full-text levels by two independent reviewers. Primary outcomes were the pooled association between PTSD and preterm birth and the pooled association between PTSD and low birth weight. Results: A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software and showed an increased odds ratio for preterm birth among pregnant women with a PTSD diagnosis (OR = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [1.01, 1.64]; I² = 42%). There was no increase in odds of low birth weight among pregnant women with a PTSD diagnosis. Discussion: In this study, PTSD was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Screening for and early identification of PTSD during pregnancy should be a U.S. health policy priority. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).