Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Prenatal stress: Effects on fetal and child brain development
Alexandra Lautarescu1, Michael C Craig2, Vivette Glover3
1Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Prenatal maternal stress impacts offspring brain development, increasing risks for emotional, behavioral, and cognitive issues. Biological mechanisms involve the HPA axis and altered brain structures like the amygdala.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Prenatal maternal stress is linked to offspring neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems.
- Studies indicate risks for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children exposed to maternal stress in utero.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of prenatal maternal stress on offspring brain health and behavior.
- To investigate the biological correlates and mediators of these effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and human studies, including large population cohorts.
- Analysis of biological markers and in vivo brain imaging.
Main Results:
- Prenatal stress is associated with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive deficits in offspring.
- The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is implicated in mediating these effects.
- Brain imaging reveals structural changes, including cortical thinning and amygdala enlargement.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal maternal stress has a significant impact on fetal brain development.
- Observed brain changes plausibly explain the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive alterations in offspring.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and implications.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

