Stress hormone in womb predicts poorer cognitive development, but loving care can 'undo' it

by Kell

A mother's nurture may provide powerful protection against risks her baby faces in the womb, according to a new article published online today in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Fetuses exposed to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol may be associated with increased risk of poorer cognitive development.

But if their mothers provide sensitive care during infancy and toddler-hood, this risk of poorer cognitive development subsides almost entirely.

This study was published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.