Abstract
The influence of psychological factors on uterine activity has been demonstrated, but the mechanism of psychophysiologic mediation is not known. Possible mediation processes are the following: (1) a rise in catecholamine secretion may bring about an increase in uterine activity directly in the case of norepinephrine and indirectly through a rebound reaction in the case of epinephrine; (2) a stress-related corticosteroid or opiate increase may lead to higher vulnerability to infectious diseases, particularly to choriamnionitis; (3) a higher degree of neuromuscular reactivity may mediate between chronic anxiety and premature labor; and (4) stress has been shown to increase secretion of oxytocin, which increases uterine motility. Oxytocin is a possible candidate as a mediator between psychological stress and premature labor.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 580-584 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Psychosomatics |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1986 |
Externally published | Yes |