Monday, 17 November 2008 19:31 |
Animal experiments suggest that maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy have long-term effects on the behaviour of the offspring. Data were collected on multiple antenatal and postnatal assessments of maternal anxiety and depression, antenatal and obstetric risks, psychosocial risks and children's behavioural/emotional problems.
Conclusions: There could be a direct effect of maternal mood on foetal brain development, which affects the behavioural development of the child. THOMAS G. O'CONNOR, PhD Maternal antenatal anxiety and children's behavioural/ emotional problems at 4 years British Journal of Psychiatry 2002; 180: 502-508 |