Early brain development lays the foundation for lifelong health and success. But disruptions to a child’s early environment can leave a long-lasting imprint on their development and success.
For example, research shows that babies who are born during disasters or pandemics are at an elevated risk of experiencing developmental delays and having poor mental health and brain development into adulthood.
We also know from studies of prenatal stress that when a mother is stressed, the stress signals her body releases can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Postnatal stress can also affect a parent’s ability to provide sensitive and attentive care to their infants.
