Effect of Prenatal Stress on Cognitive and Behavioral Development

Abstract

While it is well-known that high stress levels detrimentally impact overall health, recent research reveals that elevated prenatal stress levels not only negatively affect the mother's health but also impair the cognitive and behavioral development of children. Mindfulness-based interventions are key in reversing these adverse effects. These interventions can be an effective way to manage stress as a complement to usual medical care. Mindfulness-based techniques have evolved from Vipassana, Buddhist, and zen practices, stress management tools that have been around for decades. Children between the ages of one and seven suffer considerably from the effects of maternal stress; however, women can significantly lower their stress levels with prenatal mindfulness-based interventions, allowing their children to fully develop their cognitive and behavioral abilities.