Effects of Maternal Psychological Status Post Cancer Diagnosis in Pregnancy on Early Childhood Development [17OP

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 1 in 1,000 women experience cancer during pregnancy. Evidence indicates that maternal psychological distress can negatively influence a child's language and cognitive development. This study looks at the relationship between child behavior and development and maternal psychological distress among women experiencing cancer during pregnancy. METHODS: Women (N=77) who experienced cancer during their pregnancies and enrolled in the IRB approved Cancer and Pregnancy Registry were invited to self-report psychological distress (Basic Symptoms Inventory) and trauma symptoms (Impact of Events Scale-Revised) when their child was at least 18 months of age. Women completed child behavioral functioning (Child Behavioral Checklist). Children underwent developmental testing (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition). Bivariate correlations examined how maternal psychological distress and infant behavior and development were related at the time of assessment. RESULTS: When controlling for gestational age at birth, higher levels of maternal depression (r=0.771, P<0.05), anxiety (r=0.904, P<0.01), intrusive trauma symptoms (r=0.953, P<0.001), and avoidant trauma symptoms (r=0.953, P<0.001) was associated with a higher incidence of behavioral problems. This same relationship was not found for cognitive performance on standardized testing. CONCLUSION: Maternal psychological stress and depression after cancer during pregnancy can influence their children's development. When controlling for gestational age at birth, maternal distress only influences child behavioral, as opposed to cognitive development. These results highlight the importance of additional support required among women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy even years after delivery.