New research carried out at Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory may indicate that a mother experiencing high amounts of stress during pregnancy may have developmental consequences for her baby.
By studying prenatal cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the mother and carrying out fMRI scans on their babies researchers found that maternal stress affects their baby’s development. Children of mothers who experienced higher levels of stress in the months leading up to birth have different brain development than babies with less stressed mothers. The amygdala (brain area linked to emotional and social development in childhood) showed different structural development, and they found differences in brain connectivity as well.
Researchers advise that pregnant women should have more support available, and professionals are advised to pay more attention to sings of stress.