Maternal Stress During Pregnancy and Social Anxiety Disorder

Michael Meaney, professor at McGill University in Montreal, Canada is set to investigate the impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on various physical and mental health problems, including social anxiety disorder (SAD). Following on research showing that chronic release of stress hormones during pregnancy may be linked to problems such as SAD, Meaney hopes to shed some light on the impact of positive parenting skills in these circumstances.

Unfortunately, as Meaney notes, parents who have children already predisposed to mental illness may be least well-equipped to cope. A mother with SAD who battles stress hormones daily during pregnancy will also most likely have difficulty being the good role model that her child needs. The best solution? For mom to get help for herself before embarking on parenthood.

Photo © Microsoft