The effects of a mother's second pregnancy on the firstborn child.

Mothers in the last trimester of the second pregnancy admit to being less active, more tired and moody than previously. Many were more anxious than usual. Their first child frequently showed behavioural changes. Those surveyed were between 1 1/2 and 4 years of age and showed more clinging, sleep disturbance and misbehaviour with tantrums than expected. It is presumed that the mother's pregnancy induces anxiety in her child with consequent behavioural changes.