Israeli Researchers Find That Stress During Pregnancy Affects Baby’s Brain Before Birth

A team of Israeli researchers has discovered that stress during pregnancy can affect how a baby’s brain develops before birth. The scientists studied pregnant women and their unborn babies and found clear signs that high stress levels can change brain activity in the womb.

The researchers from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem led the study. They asked pregnant women to answer questions about their stress levels and emotional health. At the same time, they used advanced brain scans to study the babies’ brains while still in the womb. They found that babies whose mothers felt more stress showed different brain patterns compared to babies whose mothers felt calmer.

The team said that stress may change how the baby’s brain connects different regions. This could later affect how the child learns, feels emotions, or reacts to stress in early life. The scientists warned that high stress levels during pregnancy might increase the risk of emotional or learning difficulties in children.

To make their results stronger, the researchers also used data from brain scans of newborns after birth. These babies showed similar brain activity as they did before birth, confirming that stress during pregnancy had a lasting effect.

The scientists explained that when a pregnant woman feels too much stress, her body produces stress hormones. These hormones can pass through the placenta and reach the baby. This can affect how the baby’s brain forms and functions.

Doctors and health experts say that pregnant women should take steps to reduce stress. They recommend gentle exercise, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, getting enough sleep, and talking to friends, family, or professionals for support. They also encourage healthcare workers to talk to pregnant women about mental health during check-ups.

The researchers hope that their findings will help doctors and families take stress in pregnancy more seriously. They believe that reducing stress during pregnancy can lead to better brain health for babies and fewer problems later in life.