Can maternal mindset affect delivery? Lower dispositional optimism is associated with unplanned Cesarean Section deliveries in China

Objective: Research suggests that maternal personality factors may influence birth outcomes. This study examined whether maternal optimism was associated with likelihood of unplanned cesarean section births, while adjusting for standard obstetric risk factors. Methods: Data regarding demographics, general health status, optimism/pessimism (using the Life Orientation Test – Revised, (LOT-R)), and mental health (using the Short-Form-12 mental health summary score (SF-12 MCS)) were collected during third trimester prenatal care visits at a tertiary care hospital via self-administered surveys. Late pregnancy and delivery data were collected via chart review. A logistic regression model was constructed with unplanned cesarean section (yes/no) as the outcome variable of interest. Covariates included birthweight, gestational age at delivery, maternal age, pre-existing health issues, pregnancy complications, optimism/pessimism (as measured by the LOT-R), and mental health (as measured by the SF-12). Results: 251 women were enrolled. Complete data on 191 subjects were available and included in the regression model. 19.8 percent (n=38) had unplanned cesarean section deliveries. After adjusting for birthweight, gestational age, maternal age, pre-existing health issues, pregnancy complications, and mental health, lower optimism scores in pregnant mothers were found to be significantly associated with higher unplanned c-section rates. (16.7 LOT-R score, unplanned c-section vs. 18.5 LOT-R score, without an unplanned c-section, p=.007) The regression model explains 13.5% of the variance in unplanned c-section rates (R2 = .135). Conclusion: This study, while preliminary, suggests that optimism during pregnancy may influence the likelihood of c-section delivery. More research is needed to clarify the nature and strength of the relationship.