New research from the Developing Brain Institute at Children’s National Hospital has revealed that elevated maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the structure, texture, and other qualities of the placenta—a vital connection between mothers and their unborn babies. Published in Scientific Reports, the study emphasizes the often overlooked link between the mental health of pregnant mothers and the health of the placenta, which plays a crucial role in nourishing and protecting developing babies. The long-term neurodevelopmental effects on the children are currently being investigated.
Led by Dr. Catherine Limperopoulos, the research team conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) comparisons of 165 women who were pregnant before March 2020 with 63 women who became pregnant during the pandemic. The latter group, although not knowingly exposed to COVID-19, displayed significantly higher levels of stress and depression based on questionnaires. These women were recruited at Children’s National as part of a clinical trial aimed at reducing elevated stress levels during the pandemic.
The placenta, a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy, provides oxygen, nutrients, and immunological protection to the fetus. The data revealed distinct changes in the growth and development of the placenta among women pregnant during the pandemic, especially when compared to those pregnant before the outbreak. Furthermore, these changes were associated with the birth weight of the infants. Importantly, the alterations in placental development appear to be linked to maternal stress and depression symptoms.
Overall, these findings suggest that the disruptions observed in placental development within the womb may affect the placenta’s ability to support fetal health and well-being. Dr. Limperopoulos emphasized the need for further investigation into the long-term functional consequences of these placental changes in utero.
Previous studies have demonstrated that the placenta can adapt to negative changes in the maternal environment and mental health, while disturbances in placental function can impact infant brain development and neurobehavioral traits. Dr. Limperopoulos’s research expands on her extensive work investigating the effects of maternal stress on unborn children, including its adverse impact on brain structure and biochemistry. She is also actively involved in developing treatments and interventions to support new families through programs like DC Mother-Baby Wellness, which provides comprehensive care to expectant and new mothers experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Early identification of maternal stress as a modifiable risk factor allows for interventions such as psychotherapy and social support to be implemented. Further research in this area aims to deepen our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying these changes and address the needs of mothers and children born during pandemics, natural disasters, and other highly stressful events.