The Effect of Spousal Military Deployment during Pregnancy on Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review

ConclusionsPregnant partners or spouses of deployed military personnel may be at increased risk of pre-term delivery. There is a paucity of rigorous research in this area and more research is required to help inform healthcare professionals of the needs of this cohort of women and whether tailored public health interventions are required to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes in this population.Key messagesPregnant partners or spouses of deployed military personnel may be at increased risk of pre-term delivery due to psychosocial factors associated with the military lifestyle.Stress is a risk factor for birth complications. More research involving military spouses is required to understand the antenatal needs of this population.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research