Prenatal programming of child neurocognitive abilities and maternal mental health

Abstract Maternal mental health problems during pregnancy, especially mood and anxiety disorders and symptoms, are common. They not only hinder maternal well-being and health during pregnancy but are associated with physical and mental health adversities in the offspring. We provide here a review of the studies published between 2017 and 2019, which reported on the associations between maternal mental health problems during pregnancy and child neurocognitive outcomes. We identified eight studies, which reported a mixed pattern of findings. While the balance of evidence favors lack of associations, small sample sizes and heterogeneity in study designs, exposures, outcomes and covariate adjustments between the studies preclude firm conclusions. The reviewed studies encourage further research filling in the knowledge gaps we identified.