Prenatal Stress Affects Children’s Attention Deficits: A Study of Maternal Stress and Placental Function

Background: Prenatal maternal stress is of significant global concern due to its adverse effects on both women and fetus. Depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy are associated with various outcomes in children, including neurological effects such as attention deficits. This study aims to investigate the association between prenatal maternal stress and attention deficit behavioral disorder among 5-year-old children in a low-risk Danish population. Methods: Maternal and umbilical blood were sampled at birth to measure the placental cortisol metabolism. Self-reported depression, anxiety and stress were assessed late in the pregnancy, using the questionnaires: Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scales (DASS) and Pregnancy-Related-Anxiety (PRA). Data collected at birth were extracted from the research project ‘Maternal Stress and Placenta Function’ (MSPF). Attention deficits in 5-year-olds (n=115; female, n=59, male, n=54) were measured using ‘Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire’ (SDQ) and ‘Five to Fifteen parent reported questionnaire’ (FTF). Association between prenatal maternal stress and attention deficit was examined using logistic regression, controlling for confounders. Results: A statistically significant association was found between PRA measured during pregnancy and attention deficits in the 5-year-old children (FTF, OR: 3.39), and this association was significantly increased in children of multiparous mothers even after adjusting for potential confounders. No associations were observed for biological stress markers sampled at birth and attention deficits. Conclusion: Low to moderate stress levels during pregnancy measured using questionnaires on pregnancy related anxiety, can increase the risk of attention deficits among children, emphasizing its relevance to a broader population of women, beyond those with severe mental health issues.