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Review
. 2013 Jun;6(2):52-57.
doi: 10.1177/1753495X12473751. Epub 2013 May 3.

Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development: mechanisms and pathways

Mary E Coussons-Read  1
Affiliations
Review

Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development: mechanisms and pathways

Mary E Coussons-Read. Obstet Med. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

A growing body of research shows that prenatal stress can have significant effects on pregnancy, maternal health and human development across the lifespan. These effects may occur directly through the influence of prenatal stress-related physiological changes on the developing fetus, or indirectly through the effects of prenatal stress on maternal health and pregnancy outcome which, in turn, affect infant health and development. Animal and human studies suggest that activation of the maternal stress response and resulting changes in endocrine and inflammatory activity play a role in the aetiology of these effects. Ongoing research is focusing on clarifying these mechanisms, understanding the role of racial and cultural factors in these effects, and examining the epigenetic and transgenerational influences of prenatal stress.

Keywords: development; inflammation; pregnancy; stress.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic of the direct and indirect pathways through which prenatal stress may affect the health and development of human offspring
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic of how maternal immune and endocrine adjustments can support healthy pregnancy. HPA, hypothalamo- pituitary-adrenal; CRH, corticotropin-releasing hormone
Figure 3
Figure 3
Summary of pregnancy and birth complications associated with prenatal stress
Figure 4
Figure 4
Summary of lifespan effects on human health and development associated with prenatal stress
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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