Maternal stress may create lasting epigenetic changes in placental genes linked to cortisol, which is essential for fetal development. These changes can potentially influence the baby’s development right from the start, as discussed in a paper published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology. The findings indicate that the emotional health of a mother during pregnancy is crucial not just for her own well-being but also for her baby’s future health.
The study is led by Lourdes Fañanás, a professor at the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) at the University of Barcelona. She heads the Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM). Also contributing is Elisabeth Binder from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. The research involved collaboration with the Rare Diseases area of the Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERER) and included experts Elisenda Eixarch and Fátima Crispi, who are part of CIBERER and also work at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, BCNatal (IRSJD and Hospital Clínic — IDIBAPS).
The placenta plays a vital role during pregnancy, as it supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while also reacting to stressors like maternal stress, helping the fetus adapt to its surroundings. Nonetheless, the specific ways the placenta responds to these stressors and how it affects fetal development are still largely unknown.
The research team found that maternal stress might leave epigenetic signatures on particular placental genes. These signatures do not change the DNA structure but instead modify how genes function. The study highlighted epigenetic changes in genes involved in cortisol regulation, which is a crucial hormone in managing stress responses in the body.
Supporting women from the very first stages of pregnancy
This pilot study, funded by a CIBERSAM Intramural project, included 45 healthy first-time pregnant women. The researchers measured cortisol levels and depressive symptoms during pregnancy and analyzed placentas after birth. Additionally, the babies’ neurodevelopment was assessed at seven weeks using a specialized test known as Brazelton’s NBAS.
To examine the epigenetic changes across extensive sections of DNA, the research team utilized a sophisticated sequencing method. This technique highlighted alterations in significant genes that regulate cortisol, such as HSD11B2, NR3C1, and FKBP5. The findings suggest that maternal stress, particularly in early pregnancy, can lead to changes in these genes, which may impact fetal development and the baby’s future health.
Águeda Castro, the primary author of the study and a CIBERSAM researcher at the University of Barcelona, emphasized that “this study underscores the critical need for safeguarding mothers’ mental health from the onset of pregnancy, as stress can leave a biological mark on the development of the baby through epigenetic processes that we are only beginning to comprehend.”
IBUB chose this article as the top scientific publication of November 2024 due to its innovative perspective on prenatal and mental health. While this is a preliminary study, it paves the way for future research and potential interventions aimed at supporting pregnant women in vulnerable circumstances from the earliest stages. Although these results need confirmation from larger studies, this breakthrough highlights the significance of psychological care and emotional support during pregnancy—not just for the well-being of the mother but also for the long-term health of the child.
