Advancing the Study of Maternal Prenatal Stress Phenotypes and Infant Temperament Outcomes

• DOI: 10.1002/dev.70035
• Publication Date: 2025-03-13T11:59:33Z
• Authors: Christie Pham; Jennifer A. Mattera; Sara F. Waters; Erica J. Crespi; J. A. Madigan; SuYeon Lee; Maria A. Gartstein
• Keywords: Prenatal Stress

ABSTRACT Exposure to the in utero environment provides offspring risk or protection with respect postpartum development and health across lifespan. We used latent profile analysis (LPA), considering self‐report physiological indicators assess influence of maternal prenatal stress/distress on infant temperament. predicted that participants who reported greater would have infants less optimal temperament characteristics (e.g., higher fearfulness, lower smiling/laughter). Women ( N = 67) were recruited Southwest Washington Eastern Washington/North Idaho areas. Participants responded surveys during third trimester provided hair samples for cortisol analyses. Postpartum mothers LPA resolved two statistically supported profiles, reflecting pregnancy, which we compared The exposure group demonstrated concentrations, depression, general anxiety, perceived stress. Mothers profiles their children exhibiting more challenging temperaments negative emotionality). This pattern results suggests groups discernable terms also differ reactivity regulation.