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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Pregnant women who are under a lot of stress, feeling depressed or anxious may give birth to babies that weigh less and are smaller than average at midterm.
A new report from the University of Miami School of Medicine reveals cortisol may be one way the mother can transmit her stress to her unborn baby.
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"Maternal distress is accompanied by biochemical changes, such as increased cortisol, that can both directly and indirectly affect the fetus," reports lead researcher Miguel A. Diego, Ph.D. "Cortisol can directly cross through the placenta into the fetus, which could affect fetal development."
Diego says cortisol can also affect development because it can reduce blood flow to the fetus, which could decrease the amount of oxygen and nutrients unborn babies get.
The study looked at 98 women who were between 16 weeks and 29 weeks pregnant. Participants answered questionnaires about their overall levels of distress from daily stress, depression and anxiety. Researchers monitored cortisol levels and used ultrasound to measure the fetus.
Study authors report a mother's body protects the mother-fetal interaction -- only extreme levels of depression and anxiety can affect the fetus. They urge pregnant women who are under a lot of stress or are feeling depressed to talk to their doctor about treating these conditions during pregnancy.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Psychosomatic Medicine, 2006;68
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