Research has revealed that stress during pregnancy can influence not only the fetus but also the development of the child. Particularly, daughters of mothers who experienced severe stress during pregnancy were found to be more likely to experience puberty earlier, according to the key findings of this study.
The study involved 253 mothers with an average age of 30. During pregnancy, stress, depression, and anxiety levels were assessed at weeks 15, 19, 25, 31, 37, and immediately after childbirth, while the born children were evaluated at ages 8-10, 11-12, and 13-16. Saliva samples were collected to test hormone levels, and biomarkers were measured and analyzed throughout the study.
The results showed that daughters born to mothers who experienced severe stress during pregnancy were more likely to experience puberty earlier. These children exhibited accelerated adrenal hormone secretion, and early signs of puberty appeared sooner. This association persisted even after considering events experienced after birth. However, this phenomenon was not observed in male children or in first-born daughters. Additionally, no significant association was found concerning the age of menstruation onset.
These research findings underscore the impact of emotional and environmental factors during pregnancy on both mothers and children. They emphasize the need for ongoing and practical support and policy solutions for the health and well-being of pregnant women. Together, it is evident that awareness and management of stress during pregnancy are crucial.
