Effets du stress prénatal sur le fœtus et les données périnatales : une revue critique de la littérature

Abstract

Although effects of pregnant mothers’ emotions on fetal development have historically been the subject of debate, studies on the effects of stress on pregnancy and infant development have only been conducted during the past forty years. Many researches have been carried out on the consequences of prenatal stress on pregnancy and birth-related variables, in particular prematurity and birthweight. The literature shows that prenatal stress can lead women to give birth earlier and to have less heavy newborns. In turn, these conditions may have negative impact on later child development. Studies also explored the impact of prenatal stress on fetal motor activity, heart rate and head circumference, although discrepant results are reported. The future mother's emotional state may also influence the course of pregnancy and delivery. However, several studies show that stressful life events have a different impact according to the trimester of pregnancy. This article provides a critical review of the literature on the effects of prenatal stress on fetal development and perinatal variables. Some hypotheses concerning the physiological transmission of maternal stress to the fetus are also examined.