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August 15, 2024

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Maternal Mental Health and Prenatal Brain Development: A Proven Link

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Key Takeaways

As many as 1 in 5 birthing parents struggle with a mental health disorder
Parents can pass that risk of mental health conditions onto infants
Addressing parental mental health concerns early sets children up for success

Various factors can contribute to poor maternal mental health and research shows that impacts babies even before they are born.

At first I thought what I was feeling was just exhaustion, but with it came an overriding sense of panic that I had never felt before.

Rowan kept crying, and I began to dread the moment when Chris would bring her back to me. I started to experience a sick sensation in my stomach; it was as if a vise were tightening around my chest. Instead of the nervous anxiety that often accompanies panic, a feeling of devastation overcame me. I hardly moved. Sitting on my bed, I let out a deep, slow, guttural wail.

I wasn’t simply emotional or weepy, like I had been told I might be. This was something quite different.

Brooke Shields

When Brooke Shields published her book “Down Came the Rain” in 2006, it brought postpartum depression and maternal mental health into the mainstream. Although previous decades included emerging research and public awareness campaigns, Brooke paved the way for destigmatization. Now prominent celebrities and social media personalities detail their journeys, and early childhood professionals are making significant strides prioritizing maternal mental health.

As many as one in five birthing parents struggle with a mental health disorder. Research shows that untreated maternal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression, can lead to significant long-term negative outcomes for both mothers and their children, including developmental delays and emotional difficulties in children.

What factors contribute to poor maternal mental health?

Intergenerational Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Parents with high ACE scores are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which can be exacerbated during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Genetic Factors and Hormonal Influences on Maternal Mental Health

Family histories of mental health disorders increase risk. The dramatic shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels postpartum can also trigger mood disorders, including postpartum depression.

Environmental Factors Contributing to Mental Health

Discrimination: Experiencing discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other factors can lead to chronic stress and feelings of marginalization, negatively impacting maternal mental health.

Pollution: Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as air pollution and toxins, has been linked to increased risks of maternal mental health disorders, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Socioeconomic Status: Low socioeconomic status can contribute to stress, inadequate access to healthcare, poor nutrition, and unstable housing, all of which are risk factors for poor mental health. Financial strain and lack of social support can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression.

Lack of Social Support: Insufficient social support from partners, family, and friends can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Strong social networks are crucial for providing emotional support and practical help, which are vital for mental well-being. Significant life changes, such as the loss of a loved one or relationship troubles, can trigger or worsen mental health issues in parents.

New Research

A recent Yale/Columbia University study shows racial discrimination experienced by women during pregnancy may affect their infant’s brain circuitry.

How is mental health risk transmitted from parents to children?

Biologically

In-Utero Cortisol Exposure: Distress of the birthing parent during pregnancy raises cortisol levels, which cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Elevated in-utero cortisol is linked to changes in the HPA axis, increasing children’s sensitivity to stress and susceptibility to neurodevelopmental and mood disorders and cognitive delays. These effects occur independently of postnatal factors, parenting styles, or socioeconomic conditions.

Genetically

Epigenetic Changes: Mental health risks can be transmitted epigenetically, meaning stress of the birthing parent alters gene expression in the fetus without changing the DNA sequence. These changes can affect the child‘s stress responses, emotional regulation, and susceptibility to mental health disorders, such as modifying genes related to the HPA axis and increasing stress-related disorder risks.

Parenting and Attachment

Attuned Parenting: Mental health issues in parents and caregivers can affect their capacity for sensitive and attuned parenting and disrupt the formation of secure attachment bonds. Insecure attachment can lead to difficulties in emotional regulation and increased risk for mental health issues in children. Mental health problems can also lead to harsher or more rejecting parenting behaviors which can contribute to emotional and behavioral issues in children.

Because the mental health of parents and caregivers is inextricably linked to infant and early childhood mental health, ensuring a strong start in life starts in the prenatal and perinatal period. With a focus on early intervention, comprehensive care and reducing stigma, we can work to identify and address mental health issues quickly and appropriately.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training for Educators, Professionals and Clinicians

The Growing Brain curriculum helps educators, trainers and clinicians support the foundational connections needed for healthy brain development.

Our DC:0–5™ Manual and Clinical Training enhances the professional’s ability to diagnose and treat mental health problems in the earliest years.

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