Effects of immobilization stress in utero on the course of pregnancy in the rat and on various parameters in the newborn animals

The effects of immobilization stress applied during pregnancy on the evolution of pregnant rats and on the fetus and newborn have been studied. Results show alterations in food intake during pregnancy as well as in the weight of some measured structures in 21 day old fetuses. There was similarly found a significant increase in the number of dead newborn. The effect of immobilization stress applied in utero upon the evolution of pregnancy, fetus and newborn, is discussed.