The emotional well-being of pregnant women has been found to have a significant impact on prenatal development. Describe the most common consequences of maternal stress for the developing offspring, and discuss the mechanisms by which this negative influence is exerted

What will be an ideal response?

Emotional stress results in a state of arousal that involves the secretion of various hormones. These hormones are able to cross the placenta and enter the fetus's bloodstream, causing arousal and potentially resulting in changes in heart rate and motor activity. When maternal stress is prolonged and severe, various harmful consequences may emerge, including stunted growth, premature delivery, and irregular behavior patterns. Maternal stress can also continue to influence the course of development after birth, by impairing the mother's ability to provide adequate care and nurturing to the infant.