Pregnant and Stressed? New research reveals SHOCKING impact of stress on unborn babies
Pregnancy is one of the most vital periods in any woman's life due to the profound physical, psychological, and social changes it brings. It's a time of immense growth, not just for the fetus, but also for the mother as she adapts to hormonal shifts, physical changes, and the emotional and psychological adjustments of motherhood.
Apart from that, pregnancy can be a concerning period for many women due to the numerous physical, emotional, and social changes it brings. These changes include significant hormonal fluctuations, potential health risks like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, and the constant worry about the well-being of the developing baby. Additionally, pregnancy can impact a woman's body image, work life, and relationships, creating a complex web of concerns and anxieties.
To sum it up, it can be pretty challenging to sail through the time period without its trials and tribulations. Naturally, it can be a fairly stressful time for the new mothers as well.
However – no matter how inevitable it might be – the would-be mothers should try their best to do without the stress.
Why so?
According to a
new study
, stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy leaves a molecular imprint on their babies, starting before birth.
Read on to know more.
What does the study say?
A new study reveals that stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy can affect their babies even before birth. Researchers found that this prenatal stress changes small RNA molecules in the blood of newborns, especially in girls.
This may explain why some children are more at risk for developmental or mental health issues later in life. The study opens new possibilities for identifying and addressing health risks related to stress early on.
This research was conducted as a part of the international FELICITy project, in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich and the University of Washington, among others.
The research team analyzed blood samples from over 120 mother-infant pairs at the Hebrew University's Center for Genomic Technologies.
The study, led by Professor Hermona Soreq and Shani Vaknine Treidel from the Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science at Hebrew University, focused on how a mother's perception of stress during pregnancy can alter important biological pathways in her baby. These pathways are linked to the cholinergic system, which is responsible for how the body responds to stress and inflammation.
Prof. Soreq stated, "Even before babies take their first breath, the stress their mothers experience can shape how their bodies manage stress themselves."
The researchers analyzed umbilical cord blood from babies born to mothers who reported high stress levels in the third trimester. They looked at small RNA molecules called tRNA fragments, which help control gene expression. Remarkably, the stress impacted whole families of tRNA fragments, especially those from mitochondrial DNA.
What are the findings of the study?
The findings were different by sex, with female newborns showing the biggest changes, including a near-total decrease in certain mitochondrial tRNA fragments. Many of these fragments, known as "CholinotRFs," target genes that control acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for brain function and immune system regulation.
The study also measured levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Newborns of stressed mothers, especially boys, had much higher AChE levels, indicating an imbalance in their stress-response system right from birth.
These biological changes might help explain why children exposed to high maternal stress during pregnancy could be more prone to neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions later on. Using machine learning, the researchers could classify female newborns as exposed or unexposed to maternal stress based on their CholinotRF profiles, achieving a success rate of 95%. This paves the way for new diagnostic tools to detect the effects of prenatal stress and possibly even early interventions.
As per Vaknine Treidel, "This study provides a powerful look at how the maternal environment can leave a lasting biological impact on the next generation. It also highlights the importance of supporting mental health during pregnancy—not just for the mother, but for the lifelong health of the child."
Study reveals how better planning may help in lowering amount of fat in diet
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Study reveals six foods that are proven to reverse ageing
Image credits: Getty Images Age reversing is currently the north star of the health industry. Every health or age-conscious person, influencer and brand is working towards the goal in one way or another that they make sure to promote if deemed beneficial. The concept of reverse ageing is related to your biological age, which is the age of the body on a physical and cellular level and not on the basis of the years you have been alive. These two ages- chronological and biological, can be different and the less your biological age is the more healthy your body is and the more lifespan you have. Thus, people are always configuring ways to reduce their biological age and stay healthy. The interest in the concept has led to the popularity of influencers such as Bryan Johnson and Mel Robbins who claim to have perfected the esteemed process. Now, a study published in the Aging journal by researchers from the University of Washington and other institutions has suggested that a diet rich in plant-based foods containing natural substances called methyl adaptogens can potentially slow biological ageing. What foods aid reverse ageing? Image credits: Getty Images The team wanted to investigate how dietary choices influenced DNA methylation, a process that regulates gene activity without affecting the DNA sequence itself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The more the DNA methylation in specific sites in the genome, the higher a person's biological age is. In the study, the authors followed 43, healthy middle-aged men from Portland, Oregon who had finished an 8-week program that focused on a plant-based nutrient-rich diet along with exercise, sleep and stress reduction. The results showcased that those who consumed food with more polyphenols which have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties helped decrease the biological age by interfering with enzymes involved in DNA methylation. The authors recommended the daily consumption of dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, colourful vegetables, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, beets, lean meats, low-glycemic fruits like apples, grapefruit and cherries and a serving or more from the methyl adaptogen group. They also suggested avoiding dairy, grains, legumes and alcohol. 6 foods that reverse age The study mentioned six foods that the participants consumed that had powerful impacts on declining their biological age. These include: Berries Image credits: Getty Images A half a cup of berries consumed daily can go a long way in reversing your biological age. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, berries contain polyphenolic compounds that lower oxidative stress and inflammation and alter the signalling involved in neuronal communication. This helps prevent age-related deficits in cognitive and motor function. Rosemary Image credits: Getty Images The effects of rosemary on hair health and growth have come to major limelight in recent times with doctors and influencers recommending using the herb in oils and waters to treat damaged hair. Now, researchers recommend consuming half a teaspoon of rosemary every day to aid in reversing biological ageing. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, it was stated that rosemary extracts increased lifespan extension, and AMPK activation and improved cognitive function. Turmeric Image credits: Getty Images Turmeric is called the golden spice for a reason. The condiment has healing properties which have been known for years. But now, researchers recommend eating half a teaspoon of turmeric daily as the main active substance inside it, curcumin has anti-ageing properties as it changes the levels of proteins involved in the ageing process such as sirtuins and AMPK and inhibits pro-aging proteins such as NF-κB and mTOR, as mentioned in a National Library of Medicine study . Garlic Image credits: Getty Images Eating 2 cloves of garlic daily is said to be beneficial in reverse ageing. The antioxidant properties in the herb help it to prevent cerebral ageing, inhibit platelet aggregation, and improve blood circulation and energy levels, as cited in a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Green Tea Image credits: Getty Images Two cups of green tea daily is advised to be consumed by the study authors. It is able to delay collagen ageing with the help of its antioxidant mechanism. Additionally, it suppresses melanin production too which makes it a popular anti-ageing remedy, as mentioned in the National Library of Medicine. Oolong Tea Image credits: Getty Images If you are one of those rare people who do not like green tea, then study authors recommend swapping it with Oolong tea. You can also drink both. 3 cups of oolong tea daily is advisable to drink. Oolong tea is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant and is partially oxidised. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- The Hindu
Career in Battery Technology
Battery technology has become a crucial factor in an era of technological breakthroughs and drive toward sustainability. From electric vehicles and portable electronics to renewable energy, efficient and reliable energy storage solutions are key to building a sustainable future. The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to touch $57.4 billion in 2024 and go up to $98.5 billion by 2030. New courses Globally, momentum for battery technology is gathering momentum with universities such as Stanford and MIT in the U.S. establishing courses involving electro-chemistry for manufacturing of batteries. Similarly, in Germany, the Technical University of Munich has included topics such as manufacturing of batteries and their recycling in its curriculum. In India, academic institutions such as IITs and IISc have initiated programmes like Energy Engineering and Battery Materials and Design, which lag behind their international counterparts in practical exposure and industry collaborations. This area requires strategic partnerships to enhance the quality of education and prepare students by integrating internships, research projects, and hands-on training into the curricula. The growing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources underlines the need for innovation in battery chemistries. Advanced chemistries like Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NMCA) are leading this evolution. LMFP combines the safety and longevity of Lithium Iron Phosphate with a much higher energy density, ideal for EV applications, while NMCA enhances energy efficiency, reduces cost, and minimises the use of critical materials like cobalt. Another promising development is in solid-state batteries, which are safer and provide better energy density than traditional options, though scalability issues also remain. The collaboration between academia and industry is critical to the development of battery research, as can be seen from successful examples such as the partnership between Tesla and Dalhousie University or CATL and Tsinghua University. Indian institutions need to initiate research activities that align with real-world applications and industrial demands. If academic efforts can be aligned with practical needs, India can contribute to innovation in the field of battery engineering and drive the global energy transition. Battery technology plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but its production and disposal are serious environmental concerns. Recycling and closed-loop systems offer promising solutions. For example, recycling lithium-ion batteries can save up to 30% of CO₂ emissions compared to mining new materials and recover up to 95% of valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. A circular system can reduce waste by 60%. Educational institutions must incorporate these sustainability principles into their engineering curricula and prepare future engineers to design batteries that are easier to recycle and reuse so that environmental harm can be minimised while meeting the growing demand for energy storage solutions. Specialised career paths The battery industry offers diverse and specialised career paths. Current mainstream options include design engineers, assembly operators, solid-state researchers, and circular economy analysts. The preparation of the next generation of battery engineers will be critical to meet the surging demand for clean energy and sustainable technologies. It is in the collective efforts of academia, industry stakeholders, and policymakers that a skilled workforce can be built to drive the global transition to a greener, more energy-efficient future. The writer is the Co-Founder and Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
This new tool measures how fast you're ageing and predicts future health risks: Research
Researchers have created a new "body clock" tool that estimates a person's biological age and may predict the risk of disability or death. Developed by the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine, the tool analyses eight key metrics from a patient's physical exam and bloodwork. The method called the Health Octo Tool, is explained in a May 5 study published in the journal Nature Communications. (Also read: Doctor reveals '1 thing that's proven to slow ageing' and reduces your biological age ) Researchers say the Health Octo Tool offers a more complete view of wellness than standard health checks, which often focus on single diseases. Using data from large longevity studies, the tool predicts disability, geriatric conditions, physical decline, and mortality. According to Dr. Shabnam Salimi, researchers have developed a method that offers a more comprehensive approach to health than traditional assessments, which focus on individual diseases. The Health Octo Tool predicts disability, geriatric syndrome, physical function, and mortality with 90% accuracy or higher. The tool measures "health entropy," or the molecular and cellular damage accumulated over time, impacting organ function and overall ageing. It assigns a "body organ disease number" based on whether any organs, like the heart or lungs, have been affected by disease. The study showed that organ systems age at different rates, leading to the creation of a Bodily System-Specific Age metric and the Bodily-Specific Clock to reflect each organ's biological age. The researchers introduced the concept of the Body Clock, a comprehensive measure of overall intrinsic age and body age, reflecting the rate at which the body ages. The tool includes components like Speed-Body Clock and Speed-Body Age, which track how biological age impacts walking speed, and Disability-Body Clock and Disability-Body Age, which monitor the effects of ageing on cognitive function and physical disability. Dr. Salimi pointed out that seemingly minor conditions, such as untreated hypertension early in life, could significantly affect ageing later. Treating these conditions early could slow biological ageing. The researchers are working on developing a digital app to help individuals track their biological age, monitor ageing progress, and assess the effects of lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, or longevity-targeting medications. "This app will allow people to visualise how their body and each organ system responds to changes," said Salimi.
