Prenatal stress (or prenatal maternal stress) is the exposure of an expectant mother to distress, which can be caused by stressful life events or by environmental hardships. Since ancient times, scientists have written about beliefs that the emotional state of the pregnant mother may affect her unborn child. Today, both animal and human studies support the notion that maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy can have both immediate and long-term effects on her offspring.
Related Journal of Maternal Stress
Gynecology & Obstetrics, Clinics in Mother and Child Health, Journal of Women's Health Care, Journal of Pregnancy.
