Effect of Prenatal Maternal Stress on Infant Development

More recently, an aggregating body of scientific evidence and ensuing media coverage has moved the notion that the fetus and pregnancy are put in jeopardy by a constellation of maternal indicators of psychological distress, including stress, anxiety and depression, more predominantly into academic and public awareness. Understanding how prenatal maternal stress can affect a developing fetus requires some knowledge about the biology behind the stress response. Response to stress involves a number of organs and systems within the body; from the brain to specialized organs, such as adrenal glands, which are adjacent to the kidneys. The book gives an insight into how the the emotional life of the pregnant woman influences the development of her fetus.