Study: The health of infants is influenced by prenatal fears of the mothers

Reference

Beijers R, Jansen J, Riksen-Walraven M, de Weerth C. Mothers-like prenatal fear and stress are signs for infant diseases and health problems. Pädiatrie . 2010; 126 (2): E401-409.

Design

prospective cohort study.

participant

174 mothers with normal pregnancies and timely delivery in the Netherlands filled out questionnaires during their third trimester to quantify stress and fear, and provided saliva samples to assess the cortisol level. Then the test subjects were asked monthly in the first year of life to determine the frequency of diseases and the use of antibiotics.

most important knowledge

Adjustments for disruptive factors were made, including smoking and alcohol consumption of the mother, breastfeeding duration and attending the daycare center. The results suggest that maternal stress and fears are positive predictors for infants and the use of antibiotics in the first year of life. The results show in particular a connection between increased maternal stress and anxiety as well as respiratory, skin and general diseases as well as the use of antibiotics, but not digestive diseases. There was also a connection between higher cortisol levels in the evening or flattened cortisol rhythms a day and an increased occurrence of infant diseases.

effects on practice

A number of studies have already shown that maternal stress has a negative impact on the temperament and cognitive development of the infant; However, this is the first study that examines the impact of preliminary, mothers' stress on the frequency of infant diseases. ^{1.2.3 Information from this and earlier studies indicate that the effects of increased cortisol and mothers and fears have the greatest influence on the postnatal results in the third trimester. It was reported that women who were exposed to women in the second and third trimest natural disasters (such as the hurricanes Andrew and Katrina in the USA) compared to women who were exposed in the first trimester.}

It is known that stress activates beta-adrenergic receptors, which can influence different aspects of cognitive function. ^{7 A study by Connors et al. From 2008 suggests that overstimulation of beta adrenergic receptors through stress or medication such as terbutalin (to prevent premature labor) is associated with an increased risk of autism. Intrauterine environment and immune deficiency in neurological developmental disorders such as autism.}

factors such as social and cultural norms, social support and integration of the father, guidance and support from health service providers, education and work environment contribute to the decision of a woman to breastfeed.

factors such as social and cultural norms, social support and involvement of the father, guidance and support from health service providers, education and work environment contribute to the decision of a woman to breastfeed. It then seems reasonable that these factors also influence the stress and fears of the mother. ^{11,12,13 Although the researchers have adjusted to breastfeeding, it should still be taken into account that mothers who report on a higher level of prenatal stress and fear may also be less likely to breastfeed. The positive influence of breastfeeding on the developing immune system is well known and its protective effect should not be neglected; It may not reduce the frequency of diseases, but may be able to reduce its severity. 14 Breastfeeding should continue to be promoted, especially for mothers with a higher level of stress and fear.}

This study underlines the importance of dealing with stress and fears in pregnant patients. Both the questionnaires for self -assessment and the cortisol values ​​proved to be predictive for infants and the use of antibiotics. Therefore, it is definitely worth considering both parameters to monitor this population group in practice, which may save time during the interview to assess the stress level of the mother and its support resources. Early recognition and intervention on the part of the doctor can certainly help reduce the stress and fear of the mother and thereby reduce diseases in infants and the use of antibiotics.

Further examinations are certainly necessary to confirm the results of this special study and to determine the therapeutic effects how a reduction in the stress and the fear of the mother in the third trimester can affect the health of the infant.