Depressed mother gave birth to many stress hormones

American scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a link between mothers who are depressed during pregnancy and higher levels of stress hormone in newborns when they are born, as well as others. other neurological and behavioral differences.

Happy, healthy life will not be easy to get depressed. (Internet photo)

The results of the study were published in the December issue of Infant Behavior and Development .

In the research experiment, the scientists looked at the link between maternal stress and the development of the nervous system of the newborn, which controls the body's stress responses and mood. and other emotions.

Scientists conducted experiments on 154 pregnant mothers - people aged 20 or older, without chronic diseases or other diseases affecting the study, without being addicted to any substance. What, no eating disorders or other problems.

The depressive symptoms of mothers were assessed on the 28th week of pregnancy, 32 and 37 and were re-evaluated at birth. From the point of introduction, scientists divided mothers into three groups of high, medium and low depression.

Meanwhile, blood samples taken from the newborn's umbilical cord were born to measure levels of adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH) and cortisol . At two weeks, the newborns were evaluated for the behavior of the nervous system as a response to stimulation, motor skills or stress response. The results showed things. confirm above.

Previously, some animal studies and epidemiology have shown that mothers with depression during pregnancy are more likely to cause stress for the fetus. Studies confirm that when you're depressed, your body makes some pretty toxic chemicals, hormones that cause stress for your baby.

No studies have shown that stress can cause miscarriage, but it has a long-term impact on the fetus. However, if you have severe depression, you need to treat it early to minimize any risk, even the smallest for your baby. And contrary to the worries of many mothers, the treatment may not be harmful to the baby by the illness affecting the baby.