Published Apr 25, 2012
by Claudia Buss, Ph.D. and Sonja Entringer, Ph.D. and James M. Swanson, Ph.D. and Pathik D. Wadhwa, M.D., Ph.D.
During gestation, the fetal brain develops dramatically as structures and connections form, providing the foundation for all future development. Exposure to maternal stress can sometimes have deleterious effects on the fetus, depending on the cause, timing, duration, and intensity of stress. Fortunately, postnatal interventions, such as a secure parent-infant bond and an enriched environment, can buffer the potential negative consequences.