Expectant mothers leading a stressful life can cause harm to their unborn child’s mental health, a new British study has found.

The latest study findings of the researchers from the Imperial College London have revealed that children of women, who are constantly in tension or anxious during pregnancy, tend to grow up with emotional and behavioural troubles.

Mental state of mothers affects the unborn child
The study shows that it is imperative for pregnant women to remain in a happy frame of mind as depressing emotional conditions during pregnancy could cause grave harm to the mental development of the unborn child.

Not only this, the child can suffer from learning difficulties, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

It is therefore advisable that couples who are expecting the arrival of a newborn into the family, should keep away from quarrels and heated spats. This is because stress arising from dissonance with her partner affects the pregnant woman and her baby much more than any other stress causing factors, the researchers have observed.

High cortisol levels harmful for the baby

The probable reason behind the direct effect of a stressful mother and her child’s mental health could be the levels of stress hormone cortisol in the mother’s body.

The placenta secretes an enzyme during pregnancy that keeps the baby shielded from this hormone. The enzyme breaks down cortisol and does not let it affect the baby. But if cortisol levels are too high, then the enzyme is not able to stop it and the foetus comes in contact with the stress hormone.

The researchers said that contact with cortisol in the placenta can lead to a reduction in the cognitive growth of the baby after birth. Another serious implication could be in the form of violent behaviour that the child may show in the later life.

Lead author of the study Vivette Glover was quoted as saying, “We all know that if a mother smokes or drinks a lot of alcohol while pregnant, it can affect her foetus. Our work has shown that other more subtle factors, such as her emotional state, can also have long-term effects on her child.

"Stress due to the mother’s relationship with her partner can be particularly damaging. Fathers can help with the development of their child even before the birth, by helping their partner stay happy.”