A new study found that stress during pregnancy might change certain genes in the placenta. These changes could affect how the placenta handles cortisol, a hormone that helps the baby develop. This means stress could impact a baby’s growth from the very start of life.
Lourdes Fañanás, professor from the University of Barcelona and group leader of the Networking Biomedical Research Center on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), along with Elisabeth Binder, from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich led the study. The placenta is important because it provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby. It also helps the baby adjust to its surroundings. However, scientists are still learning how stress affects the placenta and the baby’s development.
The study showed that stress does not change the genes themselves but can affect how they work. The biggest impact was seen on genes that control cortisol, which helps the body handle stress. Stress in early pregnancy may have long-term effects on the baby’s health, potentially influencing how they respond to stress later in life. Understanding these changes could help researchers find ways to reduce risks linked to prenatal stress.
Helping mothers from the start of pregnancy
Experts say it is important to support pregnant women from the start. Researcher Águeda Castro explains that stress can leave a lasting mark on a baby’s development. Emotional and psychological care during pregnancy could help reduce the negative effects of stress. Healthcare providers and families should ensure that expectant mothers receive the support they need to promote a healthier pregnancy. While more research is needed, these findings highlight how crucial maternal well-being is for both mother and child.
Picture: Studies of the Fetus in the Womb by Leonardo da Vinci (Wikimedia Commons)
