Asthma-prone babies due to stress in pregnancy

Babies born to mothers who are stressed during pregnancy have a higher risk for asthma and allergies. There is a lot of evidence to support the notion that negative experiences that cause stress disturb the body's immune function. This is why people are more prone to colds or flu when they're stressed. And mother's stress during pregnancy can also influence her baby's developing immune system. Dust mites, pollen, moulds, and tobacco smoke are known environmental causes for asthma and allergies. Researchers in America studied about 1,000 families and measured pregnant women's stress levels by asking questions covering money and housing problems, relationships and other issues. They also tested the level of dust mite allergens in their homes while pregnant. The researchers measured levels of IgE - antibodies involved in an allergic response - in umbilical cord blood. IgE levels were increased in 387 babies whose mothers suffered a high level of stress as compared to mothers with less stress. This was true even when the exposure to dust mites during pregnancy was relatively low. This suggests that mother's stress during pregnancy magnifies the effect of dust exposure on the child's immune system, making it more reactive. Chronic stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline in the body, both of which affect the functioning of the immune system. This study reinforces the old adage that pregnant women need to try to reduce their stress as it may affect not only their own health, but their baby's well-being as well.