A new study conducted by Ohio State University has discovered that a pre-natal mother experiencing emotional stress during pregnancy could impart health complications on their child.
And these complications can last right through to adulthood.
After monitoring pregnant mice who were exposed to stress, scientists found that the genetic make-up of their gut and placenta changed – as did the intestinal tract of their female offspring.
These changes lasted into adulthood.
From their research, scientists believe that changes in a mother’s microbiome can potentially contribute to anxiety and cognitive problems for their child down the track.
“As a psychiatrist who treats pregnant women, if you’re stressed, anxious or depressed, I think pregnancy is a prime time for intervention,” Tamar Gur, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health, neuroscience and obstetrics, and gynecology at Ohio State University, explains.
“And what’s good for mom is good for the baby.”
3 stress-busting apps
Feelings of stress, anxiety and depression can travel with you, wherever you go. Hit up the iTunes Store or Google Play, and download these tension-free mobile apps, you can access anywhere, anytime.
Headspace (free, iTunes and free, Google Play)
Meditation is a sure-fire way to bring down high stress levels. headspace is all about guided mindfulness, with the app providing easy-to-follow meditation exercises that not only relieve symptoms of anxiety, but will convert even the most sceptical mum-to-be.
Sleep Cycle (free, iTunes and $1.49, Google Play)
Sometimes, stress can be accompanied by a lack of sleep. This app works to analyse your sleeping patterns, so that when you do fall asleep, the Sleep Cycle alarm clock gently wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase. This will leave you feeling rested and relaxed.
Happify (free, iTunes and free, Google Play)
Based on psychological and behavioural research, the Happify app features games and quizzes that train your mind to think more positively, understand mindfulness a little better and build self-confidence.
Feeling frazzled? Take our quiz to see how stressed out you really are…
