While additional research is needed, the Children’s National Hospital study authors say their unprecedented findings underscore the need for universal screening for psychological distress as a routine part of prenatal care and taking other steps to support stressed-out pregnant women and safeguard their newborns’ developing brains. Continue reading “When pregnant moms are stressed out, babies’ brains suffer”
Baby and adult brains ‘sync up’ during play
Have you ever played with a baby and felt a sense of connection, even though they couldn’t yet talk to you? New research suggests that you might quite literally be “on the same wavelength,” experiencing similar brain activity in the same brain regions. Continue reading “Baby and adult brains ‘sync up’ during play”
Mothers’ and babies’ brains ‘more in tune’ when mother is happy
Mothers’ and babies’ brains can work together as a ‘mega-network’ by synchronising brain waves when they interact. Continue reading “Mothers’ and babies’ brains ‘more in tune’ when mother is happy”
Typically human: Babies recognize nested structures similar to our grammar
Human language follows certain regularities. For instance, a plural noun must be accompanied by a plural verb, as in the following sentence: “The kids from the neighborhood are playing.” Continue reading “Typically human: Babies recognize nested structures similar to our grammar”
Mothers’ pregnancy-related anxiety may alter how infants’ brains respond to sad speech
A study has shown a potential link between pregnancy-related anxiety and how a baby’s brains respond to sad speech. Continue reading “Mothers’ pregnancy-related anxiety may alter how infants’ brains respond to sad speech”
Mothers’ behavior influences bonding hormone oxytocin in babies
Oxytocin is an extremely important hormone, involved in social interaction and bonding in mammals, including humans. It helps us relate to others. It strengthens trust, closeness in relationships, and can be triggered by eye contact, empathy, or pleasant touch. It’s well known that a new mother’s oxytocin levels can influence her behavior and as a result, the bond she makes with her baby. Continue reading “Mothers’ behavior influences bonding hormone oxytocin in babies”