Handedness, prenatal stress and pregnancy complications

Two hundred and ninety children aged 2 yr were assessed for laterality on a number of preference and dexterity tasks. The mothers were interviewed about their child's pre- and perinatal history. Information was also obtained from hospital records about pregnancy and delivery stress and complications. High risk pregnancies or pregnancy complications were not associated with an increase in the proportion of sinistrality. Only one of the stress factors (low Apgar) was associated with a decrease in the strength of dexterity. Since maternal and hospital reports were not in agreement in reporting complications, the validity of data generated from maternal reports is questioned.