Expectant mothers' high stress levels may negatively impact their babies' emotions at three months, suggests study
A study published in the journal "Infancy" on Wednesday revealed that babies from mothers who experienced more stress fluctuations during pregnancy displayed more fear, sadness, and anxiety at three months old than babies from less-stressed mothers.
Women who exhibited higher stress volatility were more likely to report frequently feeling angry, crying or being fussy when their babies slept. Studies suggest that mothers showing sadness when tired are more likely to cling to their parents upon meeting an unfamiliar adult[1].
Marian Earls, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Law, stated in an email to CNN, "We know that when stress reactivity systems in infants (chronically elevated cortisol or 'toxic stress' without buffering by adults) are chronically stimulated, their early brain development, immune system and epigenetic schools are impaired." Earls was not involved in the study.
Research on babies from depressed mothers also shows potential additional effects. For example, it's more likely for children of depressive mothers to have higher cortisol stress hormone levels and "changes in these levels are associated with anxiety conditions, social fears, and withdrawal," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on postpartum depression[2].
These children may develop issues such as poor self-regulation, poor relationships with peers, school problems, and aggression. Additionally, they may struggle with attachment disorders, behavioral problems, depression, and other emotional disorders[2].
However, a study from 2019 found that many childhood adversities can change for the better if the child has a caring adult who can provide a secure and stable, caring relationship.
Study sampled stress levels four times daily during 14 weeks of pregnancy
Researchers surveyed 72 pregnant women four times daily during the 14 weeks of pregnancy to assess their stress levels. When the babies were three months old, the mothers filled out the "Baby Behavior Questionnaire," measuring their babies' temperament[1].
By monitoring stress levels in real-time during pregnancy, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how mothers are feeling.
Lead author Leigha MacNeill said, "High volatility could mean that people in their current circumstances are less stable or that they tend to view their circumstances as less stable, or that they may struggle more to regulate their emotions." MacNeill is an assistant professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
MacNeil added that these frequent changes could have important consequences for the emotional development of children.
The team's next step will be to observe the mother's anatomy as stress fluctuates to learn more about how stress affects babies.
Stress during pregnancy is common, necessitating further study
While stress during pregnancy is common, further research is needed to determine which types and intensities of stress impact mothers and babies most[3].
Study did not find pandemic impact on stress levels
Though the researchers did not plan to conduct the study during the pandemic, they were pleased to examine the impact of stress on pregnant women before and during Covid-19[1].
However, the study is limited because most of the participants were upper-middle-class women, in relationships, and well-educated, potentially shielding them from some of the stresses faced by families during the pandemic[1].
Reducing Stress Before and After Pregnancy
Motherhood often brings stress, but there are strategies to prevent it from negatively affecting the mother and baby:
- Practice breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and lower heart rate. The "box breathing" method involves breathing in for five seconds through the nose, then out for five seconds through the nose.
- Regular exercise: A report in the medical journal "Medicina" found that regular physical activity of at least 150 minutes per week can reduce the risk of depression and alleviate stress during pregnancy.
- Practice yoga: Yoga can strengthen muscles used during labor, alleviate symptoms of nausea and back pain, and improve mental well-being[4].
- Consult a healthcare provider: Expecting mothers should consult their healthcare provider to ensure that physical activity during pregnancy is safe.
Participation in stress-reducing activities postpartum can also benefit mother and child. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, studies have shown that activities that help mothers build bonds with their babies, such as breastfeeding and simple touch, can help babies better manage their stress reactions.
Furthermore, positive and negative childhood experiences can shape the future of a child. Research has shown that positive experiences like reading books with an engaged parent and participating in age-appropriate activities with other children can contribute to positive play skills and high-quality daycare and preschool experiences, which can have a positive impact on learning, behavior, and health[5].
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Enrichment insights
The study does not reference a specific study in the "Infancy" journal, but the broader implications of maternal stress during pregnancy for fetal development and subsequent emotional and behavioral outcomes are well-established in the literature[1][4].
Maternal stress is associated with epigenetic changes in genes related to cortisol, a necessary hormone for fetal development[1]. These epigenetic changes may impact the baby's mood and emotional development from early stages, potentially influencing their emotional and behavioral outcomes, including at 3 months.
Research in the context of maternal depression has also shown potential additional effects on the developing baby, such as changes in cortisol regulation that can impact the baby's stress response and emotional development[1][4].
In summary, the study does not directly reference a study in the "Infancy" journal, but the broader literature indicates that maternal stress during pregnancy can have significant effects on the baby's mood and emotional development through epigenetic mechanisms and hormonal regulation.
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