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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Social Determinants of Health and Early Brain Development

Berenice Anaya1, Regina Triplett2, Cynthia E Rogers3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|October 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) negatively impact fetal brain development, increasing risks for neurodevelopmental issues. Early interventions targeting SDoH are crucial for promoting healthy infant brain growth and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Prenatal Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) significantly influence pregnancy and birth outcomes.
  • Emerging research highlights the impact of SDoH on fetal and neonatal brain development.
  • Understanding these links is critical for addressing neurodevelopmental disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the association between prenatal SDoH and infant brain development.
  • To explore the mechanisms through which SDoH affect neonatal brain structure and function.
  • To identify effective interventions and provide recommendations for clinical practice and research.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies investigating prenatal SDoH and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Analysis of research linking social risk factors to very preterm birth and neonatal brain characteristics.
  • Examination of proposed biological and social pathways mediating SDoH effects.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal social risk factors are associated with adverse neonatal brain structure and function.
  • These SDoH impacts are linked to increased risks for neurodevelopmental problems.
  • Multiple biological and environmental mechanisms are implicated in these associations.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal SDoH pose significant risks to fetal and neonatal brain development.
  • Early interventions targeting SDoH are essential for mitigating negative neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Further research and clinical practice improvements are needed to promote optimal infant brain development.

Keywords:
Fetal brainNeonatal brainPreterm birthSocial determinants of health (SDoH)

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