A recent study in sheds light on the impact of stress during pregnancy on children’s long-term health. Researchers examined data from 3,723 mother-child pairs as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). They discovered that children whose mothers experienced high levels of stress during pregnancy had higher levels of an inflammatory protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) at age 9.
These children were also more likely to face severe symptoms of anxiety at age 16 and depression by age 18, pointing to a connection between maternal stress and mental health issues later in life.
This study highlights how stress during pregnancy can influence a developing fetus. When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones like cortisol, which, over time, can disrupt bodily systems and affect long-term health. Elevated IL-6 levels, often linked to inflammation, were observed in children whose mothers reported more stress, but the study did not find a direct connection between these markers and mental health outcomes.
Instead, the findings suggest prenatal stress itself may play a significant role in shaping a child’s mental well-being as they grow.
Experts emphasize the importance of supporting expectant mothers in managing stress during pregnancy. Early interventions, such as stress management techniques and emotional support, can help reduce risks for both maternal and child health, fostering better long-term outcomes.
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