New research from Rutgers University reveals that pregnant women living in blighted neighborhoods with high levels of stressors may have higher levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. This hormonal disruption can lead to life-threatening complications during and after childbirth. The study, published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, builds upon previous research that links exposure to neighborhood stressors with preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth.
The study involved analyzing data from 262 pregnant women who completed a questionnaire about their neighborhoods and underwent blood tests to measure sex hormones such as testosterone in each trimester. The findings show that women residing in neighborhoods with stressors like vacant lots and derelict buildings had testosterone levels nearly 40% higher in the third trimester compared to those living in well-ordered neighborhoods.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in various pregnancy-related processes, including the sexual differentiation of the brain during early development. The study suggests that interventions to reduce neighborhood stress, such as increasing access to green spaces and community resources, could help improve pregnancy outcomes for all pregnant individuals.
Apart from physical health risks, residing in stressful neighborhoods can also adversely affect maternal mental health. Pregnant individuals living in such areas are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, which can further impact pregnancy outcomes.
The study utilized data from the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort, which collected biospecimens, questionnaires, and medical records from 262 women in and around Rochester, New York. The researchers measured various sex hormones, including maternal serum total testosterone, free testosterone, estrone, estradiol, and estriol, throughout the trimesters.
The analysis of UPSIDE data found that 73% of the women in the cohort reported exposure to one or more types of neighborhood disorder, while 22% reported exposure to violence. In adjusted models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher testosterone levels throughout pregnancy, with the most significant impact observed in the third trimester, where neighborhood disorder caused an average testosterone elevation of 38%. The effect was more pronounced in women carrying male fetuses compared to female fetuses.
Although the findings suggest a potential link between prenatal testosterone levels and neighborhood stress, more research is needed to establish a causal relationship, according to Zorimar Rivera Núñez, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health and a senior author of the study. Nonetheless, the study highlights the importance of addressing neighborhood stressors to improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal well-being.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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