Author: Tursunova Balkadisha
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
The journal JAMA Pediatrics published a study on the influence of the emotional background of the expectant mother on the baby in the womb, after birth and in the first year of the baby's life. The researchers called the period from conception to childbirth and the first year of a child's life "a time of unprecedented growth and sensitivity". It is this period of time that is most important in the formation of a child's physical and mental development.
The mothers' persistent depression and anxiety resulted in cognitive impairment in their children. Such children had delayed speech development, logical thinking, and movement disorders.
Unfortunately, children learn and absorb everything that they see in the family. Negative emotions of mothers, like a mirror, are reflected in the behavior and character of children. At the same time, given the current situation, due to the pandemic and quarantine, pregnant women, in the absence of social support, are considered the most vulnerable group for perinatal depression.
The study says that anxiety and depression during pregnancy can expose the fetus to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to changes in brain function and decreased blood, oxygen and nutrient flow.
Along with the chores around the house and caring for the child, the woman becomes distant from society, loses her job and income. Such a woman is "exhausted" psychologically, which can be a factor in her physical overstrain. She is excited, she is annoyed by everything, including the child. An important point is the fact that a psychologically exhausted mother can lose attachment to her child. A woman finds herself in a situation where she needs social support, a change of scenery or just mutual understanding from others.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/15/health/maternal-mental-health-childhood-development-wellness/index.html
