Maternal Mood Disorders May Affect Child's Development
Pregnancy News
Obie Editorial Team
There's compelling evidence suggesting that mood disorders experienced during pregnancy not only affect the mother but also influence the developing fetus. These can sometimes lead to long-standing emotional and behavioral changes in the child. While the exact mechanisms remain a scientific puzzle, we know that fetal experiences in utero contribute significantly to these potential outcomes.
A hormone often found in the spotlight of this ongoing investigation is cortisol. Cortisol is nature's own alarm bell, preparing our bodies to handle stress through the “fight or flight” response. Emerging research highlights the possibility that elevated cortisol levels during pregnancy can have profound, lasting effects on a child’s mental health and behavior. It's crucial to understand how these decisions impact fetal development so we can address them effectively.
Diving deeper into this, Elisabeth Conradt and her team have focused their research on the effects of maternal mood disorders on infants, specifically examining the expression of two critical genes linked to the placenta. This organ is essential, acting as a lifeline providing nutrients to the fetus. There is growing interest in how stress may modify the function of these genes, a process known in scientific terms as “gene expression,” which environmental factors can alter, potentially leading to illness.
According to findings published in the journal Epigenetics, increased maternal cortisol levels can trigger modifications in the baby’s brain, affecting these key placental genes. Such gene expression changes could set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders—conditions associated with significant brain and nervous system development issues. These disorders might manifest as autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, among others.
What these researchers emphasize is the significance of addressing and managing stress and emotional health during pregnancy. By prioritizing early diagnosis and effective treatment, we can potentially lower the risk of such neurodevelopmental issues in children. Partners, families, and healthcare providers must support expectant mothers in seeking appropriate care and managing stress levels.
Source: Conradt, Elisabeth. "Epigenetics: Research Paper." Epigenetics. 17 Oct. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.
A hormone often found in the spotlight of this ongoing investigation is cortisol. Cortisol is nature's own alarm bell, preparing our bodies to handle stress through the “fight or flight” response. Emerging research highlights the possibility that elevated cortisol levels during pregnancy can have profound, lasting effects on a child’s mental health and behavior. It's crucial to understand how these decisions impact fetal development so we can address them effectively.
Diving deeper into this, Elisabeth Conradt and her team have focused their research on the effects of maternal mood disorders on infants, specifically examining the expression of two critical genes linked to the placenta. This organ is essential, acting as a lifeline providing nutrients to the fetus. There is growing interest in how stress may modify the function of these genes, a process known in scientific terms as “gene expression,” which environmental factors can alter, potentially leading to illness.
According to findings published in the journal Epigenetics, increased maternal cortisol levels can trigger modifications in the baby’s brain, affecting these key placental genes. Such gene expression changes could set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders—conditions associated with significant brain and nervous system development issues. These disorders might manifest as autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, among others.
What these researchers emphasize is the significance of addressing and managing stress and emotional health during pregnancy. By prioritizing early diagnosis and effective treatment, we can potentially lower the risk of such neurodevelopmental issues in children. Partners, families, and healthcare providers must support expectant mothers in seeking appropriate care and managing stress levels.
Source: Conradt, Elisabeth. "Epigenetics: Research Paper." Epigenetics. 17 Oct. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.
