The Effect of Psychological Stress in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy on the Early Cognitive Development of Offspring

Objective: To explore the effect of psychological stress in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy on the early cognitive development of offspring. Methods: SCL-90 was used to assess mothers’ psychology in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to finish the screening of pregnant women cognition. The growth and development of offspring were screened by 0-6 years old children's development screening table. Gesell Developmental Scale was used to evaluate 0-12 months old offspring’s cognitive development. Result: Compared with the control group, the cognitive level of mothers in the stress group was insignificantly higher(P>0.05). The development quotient level of DST in the stress group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the adaptive behavior, language, social behavior and comprehensive development quotient of the GDS were significantly lower in the stress group (P <0.05). Conclusion: The psychological stress during the second or third trimester of pregnancy has negative influence on 0-12 months old offspring’s cognitive development.