Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Maternal Stress on Fetal Development

Abstract

Maternal stress impacts millions of pregnant women across the globe each year and refers to mental or psychological stress that occurs during the prenatal period. Although it remains known that maternal stress can negatively impact maternal health, the downstream effects of stress on fetal and infant development in the long-term are unclear. This leaves a gap in understanding epigenetic factors that impact growth and development, highlighting the need to address potential developmental delays in early childhood. Review of the literature indicates debate over the effect of maternal stress on cognitive development and whether maternal stress is a mediator or causal factor in fetal development. Although evidence suggests that maternal stress disrupts the functional connectivity of the amygdala, information on the sub-regions of the brain impacted by prenatal stress exposure remains unknown. Studies focusing on environmental disasters and war have also indicated adverse impacts on fetal development, additionally emphasizing a greater need for representation in future research. Timing of fetal exposure to stressors also impacts different domains of development. The Georgia OASIS platform was utilized to investigate variations in reported pregnancies, reported fetal mortality rate, and Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) during the years 2013–2023. Increases in fetal mortality were anticipated to be associated with decreases in the rates of maternal, newborn, and infant care. Although evidence exists to support this hypothesis, causation cannot be established; however, the poor state of maternal healthcare in Georgia warrants further investigation of the barriers to healthcare to improve fetal and infant health outcomes statewide.

Keywords

fetal development / infant and fetal health / maternal mental health / perinatal stress / stress-induced fetal trauma

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