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Prenatal stress elevates risk for behavioral problems

Ian Colman

Higher prenatal stress was associated with higher symptoms of hyperactivity and conduct disorder, according to recent findings.

“Mothers who are exposed to high levels of stress during pregnancy have kids who are more than twice as likely to have chronic symptoms of hyperactivity and conduct disorder,” study researcher Ian Colman, PhD, of the University of Ottawa, said in a press release. “Hyperactivity is a symptom of ADHD, and about 10% of school-age children are affected by ADHD or conduct disorder. These disorders can lead to poor results in school and difficulties in their relationships with family and friends.”

To assess associations between prenatal stress and risk for conduct disorder and hyperactivity in offspring, researchers analyzed data from the U.K. Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children for 10,184 mother-child pairs. Mothers reported 42 prenatal stressful life events at 18 weeks gestation. Conduct disorder and hyperactivity were measured at ages 6, 9, 11, 13 and 16 years.

Children exposed to the highest quartile of prenatal stress were more likely to exhibit the most hyperactivity (P < .05) and conduct disorder symptoms (P < .01).

Researchers found a positive, dose response relationship between prenatal stress and symptoms of externalizing disorders at independent time points.

“Generally speaking, we found that the higher the stress, the higher the symptoms,” Colman said in the release. “We can't avoid most stressful events in our lives and since we can’t always prevent them, the focus should be on helping mothers manage stress in order to give their children the best start in life.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.