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COVID-19 threatens maternal mental health and infant development: possible paths from stress and isolation to adverse outcomes and a call for research and practice.
Venta, Amanda; Bick, Johanna; Bechelli, Jeremy.
  • Venta A; Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Room 373, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA. aventa@uh.edu.
  • Bick J; Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Room 373, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA.
  • Bechelli J; Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev ; 52(2): 200-204, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1095713
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed mothers to stress and social isolation during the pre- and post-natal periods. The deleterious effects of stress on both pregnant women and their infants are well documented, with research suggesting that effects are exacerbated by reduced social support. In this brief report, we summarize evidence linking stress and social isolation to negative outcomes for mothers and infants and present a conceptual model featuring inflammation as a driving mechanism. There is strong evidence that the coronavirus pandemic will affect mothers and infants through immune pathways that, in previous research, have been shown to link stress and social isolation during the pre- and post-natal periods with deficits in maternal mental health and infant well-being and development across developmental stages. We close with recommendations for novel research, policy changes, and integrated clinical care that can address these biological threats to infants and mothers while leveraging the anti-inflammatory effects of social support.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Social Isolation / Stress, Psychological / Child Development / Perinatal Care / COVID-19 / Mothers Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Female / Humans / Infant, Newborn / Pregnancy Language: English Journal: Child Psychiatry Hum Dev Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S10578-021-01140-7

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Social Isolation / Stress, Psychological / Child Development / Perinatal Care / COVID-19 / Mothers Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Female / Humans / Infant, Newborn / Pregnancy Language: English Journal: Child Psychiatry Hum Dev Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S10578-021-01140-7