Higher Prenatal Anxiety Predicts Lower Neonatal Hair Cortisol

    February 2024 in “ Psychoneuroendocrinology ”
    LillyBelle Deer, Özlü Aran, Kenia Rivera, Ella‐Marie P. Hennessey, Benjamin L. Hankin, Jenalee R. Doom, M. Camille Hoffman, Elysia Poggi Davis
    Image of study
    TLDR Higher anxiety during pregnancy is linked to lower cortisol levels in newborns' hair.
    The study investigated the relationship between prenatal anxiety and neonatal hair cortisol levels, using data from 104 pregnant individuals and their neonates. Anxiety was measured each trimester with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Pregnancy Related Anxiety Scale. Results showed that higher levels of both general and pregnancy-specific anxiety were negatively correlated with neonatal hair cortisol, particularly in the second trimester. This suggests that increased prenatal anxiety is associated with lower fetal cortisol levels, which could lead to poor birth outcomes and long-term developmental issues.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 8 results

      community Opinions- AGA options and pregnancy

      in Female  7 upvotes 1 month ago
      A user with Androgenetic Alopecia is seeking advice on hair growth treatments while planning for pregnancy. Current routine includes LaserCap, Nizoral Shampoo, scalp massage, The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum, vitamin D, prenatal vitamins, and SEEN shampoo.

      community female battling hair loss

       7 upvotes 6 years ago
      User "tresslessatbest" shares her experience with androgenic hair loss and treatments. She found success using men's Rogaine 5%, spironolactone, dermaroller, biotin, blackcurrant seed oil, prenatal vitamins, and Nizoral shampoo.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  446 upvotes 10 months ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

    Similar Research

    5 / 710 results