Sydney (IANS): Women stressed during pregnancy were more likely to
have children with a higher risk of developing behavioural and emotional
problems.
Researchers analysed data from more than 1,700 children in the Western
Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, jointly conducted by the Telethon
Institute for Child Health Research and the University of Western Australia
(UWA).
The findings are drawn from child behaviour checklists undertaken at two and
five years of age.
Report co-author Monique Robinson, doctoral candidate at the Telethon
Institute, said the analysis found that maternal smoking, low income during
pregnancy, multiple 'baby blues' symptoms after birth and stress were each
associated with poorer behavioural and emotional outcomes in pre-school
children.
The risk was also higher in children of non-Caucasian mothers and those who
breastfed for shorter durations, according to a UWA release.
“What this research highlights is the importance of early intervention,
family support and parental education, particularly for mothers who have
lower levels of education, who are socially isolated or otherwise
disadvantaged,” Robinson said.
“We now know that if we are to reduce the rising rates of behavioural and
emotional problems in children, then a good place to start is in pregnancy,”
she added.
