The effects of social support on cardiovascular reactivity and perinatal outcome

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Abstract
The effects of social support on cardiovascular reactivity and birth outcome variables were examined during a naturally occurring stressor (labour and childbirth) among a group of primigravid women. Attenuated cardiovascular reactivity, less obstetric intervention and less invasive analgesia were associated with higher levels of social support. A trend for poorer social support to be associated with higher incidence of abnormal fetal heart rate and lower birthweight was noted. The results support both laboratory-based research and clinical observations of a health-protective role for social support under stressful conditions. Theoretical, methodological and practical implications of the findings are discussed.