Advances in scientific knowledge related to perinatal mental health significantly contributes to the welfare of societies, by improving the health and well-being of women, children, and families. Fetal programming research suggests that perinatal mental disorders can have detrimental and long-term effects on the fetus by changing the prenatal physiology. Recent research suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes in placental (and further) DNA methylation and miRNA expression, may be the way perinatal mental health impacts the development and health of the fetus. However, the exact mechanism of this mediation is relatively unclear, with potential risk and protective factors influencing these outcomes. Therefore, understanding such moderators along with the mediating epigenetic factors becomes crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
The goal is to build an evidence-based model of perinatal mental health to optimize maternal and infant health across the lifespan.
The main aim of this special issue is to present cutting edge evidence on the potential impact of perinatal mental health on the offspring by adopting the Fetal Programming Hypothesis as a framework. Previous literature suggests that this impact spans multiple levels, from developmental and physiological effects to health outcomes.
Consequently, this Research Topic will contribute to our understanding of the diverse impact of perinatal mental health problems on the offspring together with identifying potential protective factors in ameliorating these detrimental effects.
• Perinatal mental health (from the pre-conception period to postpartum)
• Effects of social support during pregnancy and postpartum
• The role of couples (parents’ relationship dynamics) during the perinatal period
• Fetal development and neurodevelopment
• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
We welcome manuscripts presenting original research, systematic-reviews, and meta-analyses with a conceptual or methodological focus.
Advances in scientific knowledge related to perinatal mental health significantly contributes to the welfare of societies, by improving the health and well-being of women, children, and families. Fetal programming research suggests that perinatal mental disorders can have detrimental and long-term effects on the fetus by changing the prenatal physiology. Recent research suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes in placental (and further) DNA methylation and miRNA expression, may be the way perinatal mental health impacts the development and health of the fetus. However, the exact mechanism of this mediation is relatively unclear, with potential risk and protective factors influencing these outcomes. Therefore, understanding such moderators along with the mediating epigenetic factors becomes crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
The goal is to build an evidence-based model of perinatal mental health to optimize maternal and infant health across the lifespan.
The main aim of this special issue is to present cutting edge evidence on the potential impact of perinatal mental health on the offspring by adopting the Fetal Programming Hypothesis as a framework. Previous literature suggests that this impact spans multiple levels, from developmental and physiological effects to health outcomes.
Consequently, this Research Topic will contribute to our understanding of the diverse impact of perinatal mental health problems on the offspring together with identifying potential protective factors in ameliorating these detrimental effects.
• Perinatal mental health (from the pre-conception period to postpartum)
• Effects of social support during pregnancy and postpartum
• The role of couples (parents’ relationship dynamics) during the perinatal period
• Fetal development and neurodevelopment
• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
We welcome manuscripts presenting original research, systematic-reviews, and meta-analyses with a conceptual or methodological focus.
