Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development: mechanisms and pathways
Year: 2013
Type: review
Abstract: A growing body of research shows that prenatal stress can have significant effects on pregnancy, maternal health and human development across the lifespan. These effects may occur directly through the influence of prenatal stress-related physiological changes on the developing fetus, or indirectly through the effects of prenatal stress on maternal health and pregnancy outcome which, in turn, affect infant health and development. Animal and human studies suggest that activation of the maternal stress response and resulting changes in endocrine and inflammatory activity play a role in the aetiology of these effects. Ongoing research is focusing on clarifying these mechanisms, understanding the role of racial and cultural factors in these effects, and examining the epigenetic and transgenerational influences of prenatal stress.
Source: Obstetric Medicine
Author: Mary E Coussons-Read
Institution: University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2168380813