Stress during pregnancy can cause child abuse
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Children whose mothers were stressed during pregnancy are at risk of becoming targets of bullying and intimidation among their peers.
To this conclusion came a team of scientists from the University of Warwick, headed by Professor Dieter Wolk. The results of the research of scientists were published in the pages of the journal "Child Psychology and Psychiatry".
Previous studies of scientists have shown that the stress of the mother during pregnancy can cause behavioral deviations in the child. Prenatal stress can lead to the child having increased sensitivity and predisposition to allergic reactions, as well as an increased risk of developing asthma. However, till now the influence of the state of stress of the future mother on the behavior of the child and on its interaction with peers has not been studied.
In order to get a closer look at this relationship and its consequences, the scientists conducted a large-scale study involving 8,829 children and 14,000 moms who bore children between 1991 and 1992. To date, specialists have recorded the development of children and their behavioral reactions.
The condition of the mother was evaluated during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, and the intrafamily relations of the spouses were assessed. With the help of teachers in pre-school institutions, and further teachers in schools, an assessment was made of the level of education of the children observed, their conflict, temperament and communication skills with their peers.
The scientists came to the conclusion that the child is really affected by the stress and anxiety in which the pregnant woman is staying. This is reflected in his mental health and directly increases the child's chances of becoming a victim of ridicule and bullying among classmates.
Professor emphasizes that there are a large number of neurohormones that are released into the blood, when a person is in a stressful state. However, in the case of a pregnant woman, the danger is doubled - this can affect the future response of the baby's body to stress.
"Changes in the response to stress can affect the behavior of the child and provoke an unexpected, too emotional reaction to the offender. Such children become objects of ridicule and niggling on the part of their peers, "says Dr. Wolcom.
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