Neurodevelopment of high and low-risk pregnancy babies at 6 months of age

Abstract

Objective: to compare neurodevelopment differences between babies born from low-risk pregnancies and babies born from high-risk pregnancies.

Study design: Longitudinal design SETTING: Spain PARTICIPANTS: A total of 91 women participated in the study, divided into two groups: 49 women in the low-risk pregnancy group and 42 women in the high-risk group.

Measurement and findings: The average amount of cortisol in pregnant mothers' hair was determined in both groups. Following their birth, the babies' neurodevelopment was evaluated using the Bayley-III instrument at 6 months of age and a new sample of cortisol was obtained from both the baby and the mother. The results showed that pregnancy risk group could predict cognitive, fine motor, gross motor and general motor neurodevelopment.

Key conclusions: These results seem to show that an appropriate treatment tailored to the needs of individualised pregnancies may favor babies' neurodevelopment, including that of babies born from high-risk pregnancies.

Implications for research: It is essential to take special care of pregnant women no matter their medical condition and offer them the best medical care available.

Keywords: Hair cortisol; High-risk pregnancy; Low-risk pregnancy; Neurodevelopment; Prenatal stress.