Effects of preterm birth on parental anxiety and child cognition

Impact of Preterm Birth on Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Parents, and on the Precursors of Cognition, Including Social Cognition in Their Child

Observational CHU de Reims · NCT05734768

This study looks at how having a baby born early affects parents' anxiety and depression, and how these feelings might impact their child's thinking and social skills.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCHU de Reims Academic / other
Locations1 site (Reims)
Trial IDNCT05734768 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study examines the impact of preterm birth on the mental health of parents, specifically focusing on symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also investigates how these factors may influence the cognitive development and social cognition of their children. The study includes both parents of preterm infants and parents of term infants to compare outcomes. Participants will be recruited from the maternity ward of the University Hospital of Reims within 72 hours after birth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include parents of infants born preterm between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation, as well as parents of term infants born at the same hospital.

Not a fit: Patients whose infants are born from multiple pregnancies or are hemodynamically unstable will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the psychological challenges faced by parents of preterm infants and inform interventions to support their mental health.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have indicated that parental anxiety and depression are significant issues following preterm birth, suggesting that this approach is relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Children and their parents will be included in the study in the exposed group if:

* the infant is born preterm, i.e., between 32 weeks of amenorrhea (SA) and 36 SA + 6 days.
* at the maternity ward of the University Hospital of Reims
* the parents are older than 18 years.
* parents are affiliated to a social insurance.
* parents agreed to participate in the study, within 72 hours after birth

Will be included in the study, in the non-exposed group, children and their parents, if:

* the children is born at term, i.e., from 37 SA + 0 Days
* at the maternity ward of the Reims University Hospital
* parents are older than 18 years.
* parents are affiliated to a social insurance.
* parents agreed to participate in the study, within 72 hours after birth

Exclusion Criteria:

Will not be included in the study, children and their parents, if:

* the infant is born from multiple pregnancy
* the infant is hemodynamically unstable
* the birth occured more than 72 hours ago
* the infant is affected by congenital malformations
* the infant is affected by severe brain lesion detected by transfontanellar ultrasound scan performed before inclusion (cystic leukomalacia, and stages III and IV of the Papille classification i.e. severe ventricular dilatation or intra-parenchymal hemorrhage)
* separation from the parents and placement of the child is intended
* child is born anounymously
* parents with psychiatric disorders
* if the mother is suffering from hemodynamic compromise
* parents under guardianship
* parents non-native speaking

Where this trial is running

Reims

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parental Anxiety Following Premature Birth
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.