Perceived prenatal maternal stress during pregnancy has been associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes in children.

Similarly, prenatal stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic correlates with the neurodevelopment of the child, potentially leading to a transgenerational impact with possible repercussions in adulthood.

A predictive model (algorithm) based on the detection of neurodevelopmental biomarkers in the child’s umbilical cord blood at the time of delivery will be generated to detect early neurodevelopmental delays.

Early detection of the newborn’s perceived stress will provide an opportunity for appropriate personalized prevention/therapy and timely interventions. Devastating repercussions in the post-COVID-19 generations could thus be prevented.

Researchers:

Luis Federico Batiz, Sebastián Illanes, Lara J. Monteiro, Marcela Tenorio, María de los Angeles Avaria, Gino Nardocci, María Isabel Nuñez y Reyna Peñailillo.