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    How Does Mother’s Depression Affect the Fetal Brain? Look at the Amygdala

    It is now widely accepted that there is an increased risk for depression among the children of mothers who suffer from depression.  Exactly how this vulnerability to depression is transmitted to the child is not precisely understood and is undoubtedly quite complicated.  Genetic factors clearly play an important role, but there are other important factors which contribute to the transgenerational transmission of depression.  For example, many studies have shown that maternal depression may contribute to parenting styles which increase a child’s likelihood of developing depression later on.

    A Blood Test for Identifying Women at Risk for Postpartum Depression?

    Wouldn’t it be nice if we could identify women who were at risk for postpartum depression (PPD)?  Maybe if we could do that, we could actually prevent the depression from occurring.  Or at least, we could intervene in some way so that the depression would not significantly affect the mother and her family. 

    Maternal Depression During Pregnancy May Lead to Infant Sleep Problems

    About 15% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy, and many reports have suggested that depression during pregnancy may have negative effects on the fetus.   A new study from researchers at the University of Michigan indicates a link between depression during pregnancy and infant sleep problems.

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