Can Parental Anxiety Influence Pregnancy and Child Development?

Anxiety disorders affect one in five women during pregnancy or after childbirth. These disorders, which include intense fears, obsessions, or traumatic memories, often occur at a pivotal time in life when women and men become parents. This period raises concerns about the transmission of anxiety to children, the worsening of symptoms during pregnancy, or the impact of treatments on the baby’s development.

Research shows that maternal anxiety slightly increases the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight, especially in certain social or geographical contexts. It can also promote behavioral disorders or developmental delays in the child, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Furthermore, children of anxious parents are two to three times more likely to develop anxiety disorders themselves later in life, due to both genetic factors and the family environment.

Faced with these challenges, parents and healthcare professionals question the best approaches. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapies, is often favored by pregnant women. It proves effective in reducing anxiety symptoms without any known harmful effects on pregnancy or the baby. However, some concerns persist regarding exposure therapies, which involve gradually facing one’s fears, but available studies show no danger to the fetus.

The use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy or breastfeeding also raises questions. Although these medications can cross the placenta or pass into breast milk, the risks to the baby are generally low and temporary. Most often, side effects in newborns, such as irritability or digestive issues, disappear within a few days. Among SSRIs, sertraline is often recommended as a first-line treatment for women starting therapy during pregnancy, as it poses fewer risks to the baby.

To limit the transmission of anxiety to children, specialists advise parents to avoid excessive alarmist messages and to encourage the child’s autonomy. Family support programs, combining education and cognitive-behavioral strategies, have shown effectiveness in halving the risk of anxiety disorders in children of affected parents.

These advancements help clinicians better inform expectant parents and tailor care, taking into account both the mental health of the parents and the well-being of the child. A better understanding of these issues allows for a more serene approach to parenthood and reduces negative impacts on the family.

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Reference Document

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-026-08377-4

Title: Managing anxiety-related disorders from pregnancy to parenthood

Journal: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Willemijn Scholten; Ilja Saris; Eline Eigenhuis; Lisa de Koning; Anna Muntingh; Bibi Schut; Adrie Seldenrijk; Patricia van Oppen; Neeltje Batelaan