The Yale Pink and Blue Study is a collaboration between Drs. Kimberly Yonkers, Kathleen Belanger, and Charles Lockwood at Yale University School of Medicine. The Yale Pink and Blue Study is sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) to study stress in pregnant women in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Specifically, the Yale Pink and Blue Study examines stress and related emotional changes in pregnant women and looks to see if these changes have any impact on pregnancy health and birth outcomes.

The study aims to learn more about stress and other emotional conditions during pregnancy in order to understand and help prevent pregnancy complications. As of October 2008, this study is closed to new enrollment.  We are sincerely grateful to the nearly 3000 pregnant women who gave of their time and energy to support research and to participate in this exciting project.  THANK YOU!! 

Importance of Studying Emotions in Pregnancy

Life is never stress free. In pregnancy you may feel happy (pink), scared, sad (blue), and anxious all at the same time. This is normal. In the short term, a high level of stress can cause fatigue, sleeplessness, poor appetite or overeating, headaches and backaches. Studies suggest that high levels of stress may pose special risks during pregnancy. We all know stress is common and many women may feel stressed at some point in pregnancy. We all have good and bad days, days when we feel pink and days when we feel blue. Pregnant women who are concerned about the level of stress in their lives, and their ability to cope with it, should talk with their health care provider.

Managing Stress

We all can take steps to manage stress in our lives. Here are some ways you can aim to reduce stress when you are pregnant:

• Eat regularly—don’t skip meals.

• Rest when you can—try to find time to relax everyday.

• Exercise (with your health care provider’s okay.)

• Relax by listening to music, meditating, practicing a hobby.

• Stay away from stressful people and stressful situations, when possible.

• Talk—to your partner, friends, relatives and health care professionals. If you feel overwhelmed, talk with a trained counselor or other mental health professional.

• Go to all your prenatal care appointments. This will give you the reassurance that everything is okay with your baby. You’ll feel less stressed because you know you are doing the best for your baby.

• Do not drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or take drugs (except those prescribed by your health care provider) These may make you feel better for a little while, but in the long term they are not good for your own health or your baby’s.

• Seek support from your partner, your family and friends, your co-workers, and your employer. Talk to your friends and relatives about your feelings at this time. Consult a health care professional if you can’t eat or sleep or you feel overwhelmed.