Effects of maternal anxiety and depression on fetal neuro-development

Maternal stress, anxiety and depression have been shown to directly affect fetal development, such as increasing arousal and influencing cortical processes (Kinsella& Monk,  2009). Specifically, maternal prenatal anxiety has been related to fetal movements (Kaitz, Mankuta, Rokem& Faraone, 2016) and to increased postnatal risk for neuro developmental disorders (Kinsella& Monk, 2009; Glover, 2011; 2015; Sheridan, et  al 2008, 2010). Some research indicates that both maternal anxiety and depression are co-morbid and one might influence the other.
Source: Journal of Affective Disorders - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research