Exploring the timing and duration of maternal stress exposure: Impacts on early childhood BMI. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farewell, Charlotte V.; Thayer, Zaneta M.; Puma, Jini E.; Morton, Susan
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 117(2018)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.12.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

Highlights: Stress exposure, in both the pre-and post-natal periods, is positively associated with early childhood BMI. Cumulative maternal stress has greater impacts on childhood BMI than stress experienced only pre- or post-natally. Stress reduction interventions in either the pre- or post-natal period may decrease the likelihood of childhood obesity. Interventions that target both the pre- and post-natal periods of early childhood will be most impactful.