Stressed-out mums-to-be ‘are more likely to have kids who suffer mental health problems’

KIDS born to mums stressed out in pregnancy are more likely to suffer from anxiety, research shows.

And it could be due to changes in their gut bacteria.

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Scientists at Ohio State University found mums-to-be suffered changes in the delicate balance of intestinal bugs when under pressure.

These changes got passed on to their children and put them at increased risk of lifelong anxiety.

The findings, presented at a conference in San Diego, are based on studies in mice.

Gut bacteria are thought to affect physical health.

But some experts think they could also influence mental health in children.

Stress-related changes in the mother’s gut are thought to trigger inflammation in babies’ brains while they are still in the womb.

This could explain mental health problems later in life.

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Scientists also discovered levels of a protein that supports good brain development – called brain-derived neurotrophic factor – fell when pregnant women were stressed.

Researcher Prof Tamar Gur said: “More and more, researchers are understanding that naturally occurring bacteria contribute to our health.

“These mice were more anxious, they spent more time in dark, closed spaces and they had a harder time learning cognitive tasks even though they were never stressed after birth.”

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Previous studies have found similar links.

But the new evidence could begin to explain why gut bugs affect psychological wellbeing.

During tests, one group of pregnant mice was left in peace but another underwent physical restraint designed to induce stress.

Prof Gur said: “We already understand prenatal stress can be bad for offspring, but the mystery is how.”

The mice also found it harder to learn new tasks than those not stressed in the womb.

Researchers said it is possible giving probiotic pills or foods to expectant mums might dampen down the effects of stress on unborn babies.