Father's optimism and self-esteem reduce risk of preterm birth - new study shows

A husband's optimism and inner confidence can play a key role in ensuring that a baby is born healthy and on time. This is the conclusion of psychologists from the University of California, Merced, reports the University of California - Merced.

The new study found that fathers' psychological resilience, which includes qualities such as self-esteem, optimism and feeling socially supported, was associated with lower levels of inflammation in pregnant women and, consequently, longer child bearing.

"This is one of the first studies to show that the father's intrinsic qualities - his confidence, resilience, coping skills - can have a biological impact on the whole family," said Professor Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook, co-author of the paper.

The findings are published in the journal Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine.

The research team, led by PhD student Kavya Swaminathan, analysed data from 217 couples participating in the US-based Community Child Health Network project. During pregnancy, blood samples were taken from the women to measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation that is linked to an increased risk of preterm labour. Both parents also completed questionnaires assessing levels of optimism, self-esteem and social support.

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of infant mortality and chronic diseases, including malformations and heart disease. Increased inflammation in the mother has long been known as a risk factor.

A UC Mercedstudy found that a father's emotional resources can biologically protect a woman: those whose partners demonstrated high levels of resilience had lower levels of inflammation in the body and longer pregnancies.

Interestingly, this association was only observed in married couples; there was no such effect among unmarried relationships.

"Our results emphasise how important loved ones are in a pregnant woman's life: their emotional state can influence not only psychological well-being but also biological processes," Swaminathan explains.

Although the study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, scientists suggest that confident and supportive partners are more likely to lead healthier lifestyles, create a calmer atmosphere at home and reduce a woman's stress levels.

"We know that couples tend to 'synchronise' their emotions and even their immune responses," Khan-Holbrook added. - So a man's emotional stability can literally be reflected in the health of his partner and child."

The work relies on a biopsychosocial model that looks at the interplay of emotional, social and biological factors. While chronic stress increases inflammation, the researchers showed that positive emotions and inner resilience can reduce it.

Professor Christine Dunkel Shetter (UCLA), Professor Haiyan Liu (UC Merced) and Professor Christine Guardino (Stony Brook University) also participated in the study.