Today: 29 August 2025
22 July 2024
1 min read

Prenatal Stress May Raise Depression and Obesity Risks in Kids

The body’s stress management system, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, releases cortisol in response to stress…reports Asian Lite News

High stress among women in pregnancy may get passed on to the foetus and raise the risk of depression and obesity among children later, finds a study.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Dartmouth College conducted a small study of 46 mothers and 40 toddlers and discovered a link between toddler hair cortisol levels — a long-term stress biomarker — and maternal prenatal depression.

Published in the American Journal of Human Biology, the study suggests that a child’s long-term stress physiology may be influenced by conditions experienced in utero.

Co-author Theresa Gildner highlighted that hair cortisol, which is less invasive than blood tests and more useful than saliva tests, can assess cumulative cortisol exposure over extended periods.

“By understanding the long-term effects of maternal stress on her offspring and when these effects are especially pronounced during pregnancy, we can better determine when interventions to support parents and reduce stress are most needed,” Gildner explained.

The body’s stress management system, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, releases cortisol in response to stress.

Chronic stress can disrupt HPA-axis activity, leading to elevated cortisol levels and serious health problems. During pregnancy, high maternal cortisol can harm the foetus and affect development.

“Changes in offspring cortisol levels could potentially be beneficial, possibly leading toward accelerated growth and development in response to early adversity” Gildner said, adding that it may also have negative costs for the child.

This includes “lower birth weight and issues later in life, such as increased behavioural problems and elevated risk of developing cortisol-associated health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, digestive problems and weight gain.”

ALSO READ-What’s driving the mass exodus of pregnant women from Russia

Previous Story

Sukanya Ghosh Explores Identity and Belonging as Artist-in-Residence at RCA

Next Story

US Needs Israel, No Matter Who Wins: Netanyahu

Latest from Health

Make your healthy summer journey tasty

As India experiences the peak of summer, keeping cool and hydrated is a top priority. One delicious and refreshing way to beat the heat while staying healthy is by incorporating cold salads

Heart Patients Need Key Vaccines

Data shows that while vaccines significantly reduce illness severity, complications, and mortality, many heart patients remain unprotected Adults living with cardiovascular disease should be prioritised for vaccination against a range of communicable

Sweet Traditions Mark Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, the joyous festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most cherished celebrations across India and beyond. Falling in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) on the Ashtami tithi

Personalising Parkinson’s Drug Response

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, and its incidence is rapidly rising In a significant breakthrough, researchers from Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada have uncovered why levodopa—the

Cool, Crisp Summer Salads

As temperatures soar, refreshing summer salads take centre stage on our plates. Packed with hydration, flavour, and colour, these simple recipes are ideal for quick meals, healthy snacks, or side dishes at
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Obesity is just a lifestyle disorder

One of the primary reasons for this disorder in the

Prolonged Sitting Equals Dangers of Smoking, Obesity

The doctor advised taking 5-minute standing or walking breaks after