Stress in pregnancy affects child’s development

A January article in Guardian Unlimited cites research suggesting that stress during pregnancy affects the health of a child.

The article quotes Vivette Glover of Imperial College London:

“We found that if the woman had a partner who was being emotionally cruel to them while they were pregnant it had a significant effect on their baby’s development. It shows that the partner has a big role to play.”

It seems to be clear evidence that a father’s role in a child’s life does not start at birth, but at conception through care and concern for the well being of the mother. Some people laugh when I tell them that I talk to my pregnant wife’s belly twice a day, but with research showing that a father’s attitude toward a pregnancy can ultimately affect its success, I’m going to keep on chatting away.