Evaluating the Impact of Perinatal Depression on Fetal and Childhood Development

Abstract

Perinatal maternal depression leads to a variety of biochemical and behavioral changes in utero. These alterations are linked to impaired fetal development and may also be detrimental to future neonatal, pediatric, and adolescent health. There is a marked rise in the incidence of atopic triad conditions, such as dermatitis and asthmatic wheezing, in children of pregnant mothers with antepartum depression, possibly due to an aberrant TH2 immunologic response and increased fetal oxidative stress. Maternal antepartum depression may also contribute to small-for-gestational age birth status, anomalous fetal neurotransmitter levels, and depression throughout infancy and adolescence. Cortisol has been implicated as a common causative factor responsible for many of these negative offspring outcomes. Minimal research on untreated major depression in pregnancy has been conducted. However, current studies emphasize the importance of holistically evaluating the risks associated with untreated major depression in pregnancy in order to minimize harmful effects on children.