An emotionally stable mother is far more conducive to the optimal growth of the fetus than an anxious one. When a soon-to-be mother feels stressed out, the affect extends over to the emotional and mental health of the unborn. The mother’s depressive or stressed state during pregnancy may become the child’s first adverse life event, influencing the child’s emotional well-being in the long term.

Strong links have been found between mothers’ depressive mood during pregnancy and child’s later mental health. A research concluded that children whose mothers underwent stressful pregnancies (reasons may vary) gave birth to children who showed disturbed behavior, insomnia, low adaptability, poor social functioning, unsatisfactory performance at schools, and were more likely to develop anxiety and depression later in life. Several studies conducted in Pakistan revealed high prevalence of anxiety and depression in women during antenatal period and/or later (Oberlander T, Mak WC, Mumford DB 1996, 1997 & 2000, Ali BS et al 2000 and 2002). The effects reflect in the ever-increasing number of children with behavioral instability exhibited at schools and other social setups.

The cause for mood swings and depression during pregnancy could be attributed to a number of factors. One prominent factor is the hormonal change. An expectant mother’s mood is related to the chemical changes that take place within her body. The hormones and the neurotransmitters go through the bloodstream and across the placenta to the growing brain of the fetus. This explains the science of mother’s emotional stability transferring to the fetus. If the mother feels elated and joyous, the developing brain experiences chemical secretions that are found to promote life-long sense of well-being. Causes of stress might also be related to pregnancy itself. The incidence of unplanned pregnancy, fear of or indication of complication by the doctor during child birth, ill health of the mother are all factors that can contribute to the increased level of anxiety in the mother. Other factors such as moving to a new house or career or job changes for one or both parents may also add to stress levels.

Depressive situations are difficult to avoid as anyone can experience them in every day life. A mother and her spouse should learn to deal with such situations in a more tactful way so as to minimize the possible harm depressive state can have on the fetus. Depression in pregnancy can have a negative impact on the provision of good prenatal care, particularly in the areas of nutrition, sleeping habits, exercising and following the instructions given by the doctor. One major psychological effect depression has on women is the feeling of disassociation with the baby.

An expectant mother’s mood is related to the chemical changes that take place within her body. The hormones and the neurotransmitters go through the bloodstream and across the placenta to the growing brain of the fetus. If the mother feels elated and joyous, the developing brain experiences secretions that are found to promote life-long sese of well-being.

Remember that emotions, positive or negative, are more intense during pregnancy. While ideally an expectant mother ought to take reasonable measures to rid the life of tension, this is easier said than done. What every parent must strive to ascertain is that the baby gets the best emotional start. Taking time to rest and revel in positive emotions; resolving stresses quickly, in a positive fashion; seeking professional help if necessary; talking to and singing and sharing affectionate thoughts with the baby are all ways that can provide a healthy emotional experience for the baby while still in the womb. And if nothing else, it can at least make pregnancy nicer for the mother-to-be.

About the Writer:
Ms. Sanober Nadeem is working as an Instructor in Aga Khan University - Human Development Programme and has been associated with the field of Clinical Psychology. She has keen interest in child development and maternal and child mental health.