Rafael A Caparros-Gonzalez1,2, Borja Romero-Gonzalez2,3, Raquel Gonzalez-Perez4, Lidia Lucena-Prieto5, Miguel Perez-Garcia2,3, Francisco Cruz-Quintana2,3, Maria Isabel Peralta-Ramirez2,3. 1. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain. 2. Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain. 3. Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment Department, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain. 4. Department of Pharmacology, CIBERehd, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain. 5. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Delivery Ward, Hospital of Antequera, Antequera, 29200 Malaga, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Maternal stress during pregnancy can affect fetal development during certain sensitive periods. OBJECTIVE: To longitudinally assess maternal hair cortisol levels during pregnancy, and the postpartum along with neonatal hair cortisol levels that could be associated with infant neurodevelopment at six months of age. METHODS: A sample of 41 pregnant women longitudinally assessed during the first, second, and third trimester and the postpartum, along with their 41 full-term neonates participated in this study. Hair cortisol levels were assessed from participants. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed by means of the Bayley Scale of Infants Development, Third Edition at age six months. RESULTS: Maternal hair cortisol levels in the first and second trimester accounted for 24% and 23%, respectively, of variance of infant gross motor development (p < 0.05). Maternal hair cortisol levels during the postpartum accounted for 31% of variance of infant cognitive development (p < 0.05), and 25% of variance of infant gross motor development (p < 0.05). Neonatal hair cortisol levels accounted for 28% of variance of infant gross motor development (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preconception and prenatal time are sensitive periods related to infant neurodevelopment along with the cortisol levels surrounding the fetus while in the womb. Pregnant women could be assessed for hair cortisol levels while attending a prenatal appointment.
BACKGROUND: Maternal stress during pregnancy can affect fetal development during certain sensitive periods. OBJECTIVE: To longitudinally assess maternal hair cortisol levels during pregnancy, and the postpartum along with neonatal hair cortisol levels that could be associated with infant neurodevelopment at six months of age. METHODS: A sample of 41 pregnant women longitudinally assessed during the first, second, and third trimester and the postpartum, along with their 41 full-term neonates participated in this study. Hair cortisol levels were assessed from participants. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed by means of the Bayley Scale of Infants Development, Third Edition at age six months. RESULTS: Maternal hair cortisol levels in the first and second trimester accounted for 24% and 23%, respectively, of variance of infant gross motor development (p < 0.05). Maternal hair cortisol levels during the postpartum accounted for 31% of variance of infant cognitive development (p < 0.05), and 25% of variance of infant gross motor development (p < 0.05). Neonatal hair cortisol levels accounted for 28% of variance of infant gross motor development (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preconception and prenatal time are sensitive periods related to infant neurodevelopment along with the cortisol levels surrounding the fetus while in the womb. Pregnant women could be assessed for hair cortisol levels while attending a prenatal appointment.