expectant moms' high stress levels might affect their babies' emotions at three months, based on a recent study
A recent study, published in "Infancy" on Wednesday, suggests that babies born to mothers who experienced significant stress fluctuations during pregnancy displayed more fear, sadness, and anxiety at three months old than those from less-stressed mothers.
Moms exhibiting higher stress volatility were more likely to report frequently feeling angry, crying or fussing whenever their babies slept, according to studies. Research indicates that mothers who appear sad when tired tend to cling to their parents upon meeting an unfamiliar adult.
Marian Earls, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Law, stated in an email to CNN 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 effects are impaired." Earls was not involved in the study.
The study also reveal potential additional effects on babies from depressed mothers. For instance, children of depressive mothers are likely 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.
These children might develop issues like poor self-regulation, poor relationships with peers, school problems, and aggression. They may also struggle with attachment disorders, behavioral problems, depression, and other emotional disorders.
A study from 2019 found that many childhood adversities can improve if the child has a caring adult who can provide a secure and stable, caring relationship.
The 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.
By monitoring stress levels in real-time during pregnancy, researchers can better understand how mothers are feeling, leading to potential interventions.
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
Though stress during pregnancy is common, further research is needed to determine the types and intensities of stress that impact mothers and babies the most.
Study did not find pandemic impact on stress levels
Despite not planning to conduct the study during the pandemic, the researchers were happy to examine the impact of stress on pregnant women before and during Covid-19. However, the study is limited because most of the participants were upper-middle-class women, in relationships, and well-educated, shielding them from some pandemic-related stressors.
Managing Stress Before and After Pregnancy
Motherhood can bring stress, but there are ways to prevent negative impacts:
- Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises, like "box breathing," can help reduce stress and lower heart rate by breathing in for five seconds through the nose, then out for five seconds through the nose.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity, such as at least 150 minutes per week, can help reduce the risk of depression and alleviate stress during pregnancy, according to a report from the medical journal "Medicina."
- Practice yoga: Yoga can strengthen muscles used during labor, alleviate symptoms of nausea and back pain, and improve mental well-being.
- Consult a healthcare provider: Expecting mothers should consult their healthcare provider to ensure 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, activities that help mothers bond 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 a child's future. Research has shown that participating in age-appropriate activities with other children and having positive interactions with engaged parents can contribute to positive play skills and high-quality daycare and preschool experiences, which can have a positive impact on learning, behavior, and health.
