TO WHAT EXTENT DOES EXPOSURE TO PRENATAL STRESS AFFECT OFFSPRING BEHAVIOURAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Background: The gestational environment influences longer-term child developmental outcomes. Various studies have been conducted to determine a correlation between prenatal stress and offspring behavioural outcomes. The objectives of this study is to review current literature relating prenatal exposure to different types of stress, including psychological (anxiety, perceived stress) and acute (adverse life events), to offspring behavioural outcomes. Methods: Since a significant body of literature exists on this topic, it was important to systematically review evidence found using online databases such as MEDLINE and Pubmed. Articles were selected based on language, if they were published after 2002, sample size, methodology, whether or not they were in a peer-reviewed journal, and the nature of the stressor - this review considers both acute and psychological stress. Results: More genetically informed studies should first take place before causation can be determined, but there is indubitably a relationship between prenatal stress and negative child behavioural outcomes. Conclusion: There is ample evidence of an association between maternal stress during gestation and negative offspring behavioural outcomes although a clear causative relationship cannot be established. The mechanism by which psychological stress affects behavioural outcomes are not fully known and more research could be done in future.