The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Maternal prenatal stress (MPS) has a unique impact on the developing fetus and the child’s life post birth. Pregnancy is a highly anxious time for a lot of women. Many have pregnancy related concerns as well as overall stress from environmental and societal factors. However, this takes a toll on the fetus’s development which can later cause different cognitive and health outcomes in the child. During a time of stress, one’s HPA axis gets activated causing the release of various hormones, particularly cortisol and catecholamines. These hormones can cross the placental barrier called HSD11B2-11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2, exposing the sensitive and delicate growing fetus to high contents of these hormones. Correlations have been drawn between maternal prenatal stress and elevated fetal exposure to the hormones of cortisol and catecholamines. Some of the effects of maternal prenatal stress on the fetus are alterations in various cortical brain structures, cognitive delays, behavioral and emotional issues, preterm birth and prematurity, low birth weight, compromised immunity, and epigenetic changes in one’s DNA. It is vital that pregnant women be monitored and screened for possible prenatal maternal stress. With the proper precautionary measures and intervention, the risk of compromising the overall health of the fetus is significantly lower.
Recommended Citation
Miriam Lavizadeh. (2025). Does Prenatal Stress Have Prenatal and Life-Long Effects?. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 19(1), 33-47. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol19/iss1/6
