PRENATAL STRESS, ANXIETY AND ALCOHOL EXPOSURE ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Prenatal exposure to teratogens constitutes one of the most preventable causes of cognitive deficits in children, highlighting the importance of identifying such agents to optimise children’s development. The relationship between maternal prenatal stress and/or anxiety, low-moderate alcohol exposure and children’s development, however, remained unclear. This meta-analysis and prospective longitudinal cohort study suggest that these agents are not associated with widespread cognitive impairments in children. Uncertainty remains around the effects of these teratogens on children’s broader development, suggesting that abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy remains the safest option and that pregnant women experiencing stress and/or anxiety should have access to support.