Mothers who experienced more stress during the pandemic gave birth to babies with smaller brains
Vital parts of the brain are significantly smaller in babies born to mothers who reported suffering stress during the pandemic, according to a new study.
The left amygdala, which is linked to anxiety risk in adulthood; the right hippocampus, responsible for spatial visual and verbal memories; and the white matter, which provides structural connectivity in the brain, were all reduced in babies whose mothers reported stress. The decrease in volume of the left amygdala was significant.
The research is further clear evidence that the pandemic will have long-lasting developmental effects on children who live through or were born during it.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the brains of just over 100 babies born between 2014 and 2019 and nearly 60 babies born during the pandemic, 2020-2022. The babies’ brains were imaged in utero and after delivery.
Their mothers were evaluated for stress using the Spielberger State-Train Anxiety Inventory and other tests.
Before the pandemic, 21% of mothers reported elevated anxiety, whereas 62% of mothers who were pregnant during the pandemic reported elevated symptoms.
These figures corresponded with decreases in brain volume.
The study shows that an entire generation of children born during the pandemic may require extra support because of the negative health consequences of the lockdowns, social restrictions and heightened stress and anxiety.
“Looking ahead, we want to use this information—and studies with similar findings—to empower pregnant mothers to request support to mitigate their stress, especially in the event of another global health crisis,” said Nickie Andescavage, one of the study authors.
“We also want to make sure babies born during COVID-19 get the services that they need in life if they develop anxiety or other mental health disorders.”
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