Neonatal-Perinatal Fellow University of California Irvine Covina, California, United States
Background: It is known that pregnant women with high stress levels during the first two trimesters had almost two times increased risk for developing postpartum depression in addition to being an independent risk factor for preterm birth and low birthweight. This can cause poor developmental outcomes for high-risk infants and lead to negative effects on mother-infant interaction. The prenatal consult is a structured discussion with a neonatology provider to discuss expectations for resuscitation and expected hospital course prior to a high-risk infant’s delivery in hopes this would better prepare families beforehand and decrease rates of acute stress. Prenatal consults are now widespread however there is limited research to confirm that they are effective in modifying stress levels. Objective: This is a single-center prospective cohort study that aims to compare levels of stress in pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies using the validated Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) both before and after receiving a prenatal consult to objectively determine if consults modify levels of stress overall or based on reason for consult or demographic factors. Design/Methods: Any pregnant woman with a high-risk pregnancy admitted to University of California Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC) antepartum unit 18 years or older, not expected to deliver within next 24 hours, and primary language English or Spanish is eligible to enroll if the primary team requests a consult. After consent obtained, patient will take pre-consult survey consisting of demographic information and 12-question PDQ using their personal phone to access online Redcap survey using a scanned QR code. After, neonatal consult will be provided by a Neonatology fellow and/or attending. 24 hours later, patient will take follow-up survey using an emailed link to online follow-up Redcap survey consisting of PDQ only. There will be no compensation. 60 patients are expected to enroll which will power primary outcomes. This study received IRB approval on 8/14/23 and is actively enrolling patients.
