Scientists discover the effect stress can have on unborn babies

Researchers from Cambridge University have conducted experiments to ascertain the effect that stress during pregnancy can have on an unborn baby's development.

Scientists discovered that administering a natural stress hormone to pregnant mice found that while it increased the mother's appetite, it actually impaired the transport of energy to the foetus.

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Owen Vaughan said: "Higher glucocorticoid hormone levels in the mother, as seen in stressful situations, can reduce glucose transport across the placenta and lead to a decrease in foetal weight."

The study established that genes within the placenta may be altered or modified if subjected to stress.

The findings have been published in the Journal of Physiology.