Effects of Antenatal Stress on Foetal and Child Neurodevelopment

Question 1

During pregnancy, women are at a higher risk of what issues that can causes stress?

Answer 1

anxiety
depression
increased risk of domestic abuse
relationship strain

Question 2

What can help attachment and counteract stress during pregnancy?

Answer 2

sensitive early mothering

Question 3

Types of prenatal stress reported to be associated with increased risk of changes in cognitive development and behavior in the child

Answer 3

Maternal anxiety and depression
Maternal daily hassles
Pregnancy specific anxiety
Domestic abuse; partner or family discord
Distress caused by war
Experience of acute disasters, e.g. freezing ice storm, hurricane or 9/11

Question 4

Prenatal stress associated with increased risk of what disorders for child?

Answer 4

Anxiety, depression, behavioural problems-ADHD, conduct disorder, impaired cognitive development, neonatal behaviour, more difficult infant temperament, victimisation in childhood, schizophrenia, autism, personality disorder

Question 5

Prenatal stress associated with increased risk of what physical issues?

Answer 5

reduced birthweight, reduced gestational age, preterm delivery, mixed handedness, decreased telomere length, asthma, altered immune fx, altered microbiome