Child Outcomes - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Folic Acid Supplementation: When to Start? How Long to Continue?

Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy substantially reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Emerging research suggests that folic acid may have beneficial effects on neurodevelopment that extend beyond the first trimester. We review the evidence on the timing of folic acid supplementation and findings from the FASSTT randomized controlled trial, which examined whether supplementation during the second and third trimesters was associated with improved cognitive outcomes in children.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2026-09-15T10:47:35-04:00September 16th, 2026|Child Outcomes, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

ADHD Stimulants and Pregnancy: New Study Examines Risks of Continued Treatment

A large claims-based study found no increased risk for most outcomes with first-trimester stimulant exposure during pregnancy, but higher risks when use continued later in pregnancy.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2026-09-01T11:29:04-04:00August 28th, 2026|ADHD Medications, Child Outcomes, Medications and Pregnancy|Comments Off

Maternal Depression Negatively Affects Fetal Growth During Critical Stage of Development

In this prospective cohort study, the researchers observed an association between maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy with slower rates of fetal growth.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-05-16T06:53:15-04:00April 2nd, 2024|Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Research from the CWMH: Prenatal Exposure to Second Generation Antipsychotics and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preschool-Aged Children

The current study observed no significant differences in overall developmental outcomes or behavior in exposed versus unexposed children.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-06-26T12:57:54-04:00March 27th, 2024|Antipsychotic Medications, Child Outcomes, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Research at CWMH|Comments Off

Neuroimaging Study Sheds Light on the Impact of Maternal Depression and Prenatal Antidepressant Exposure on Fetal Brain Development

At 7 years of age, children exposed to maternal depression during pregnancy or SSRI antidepressants exhibited similar changes in white matter architecture.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-03-23T16:47:06-04:00February 26th, 2024|Antidepressants, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Risk of ADHD in Kids with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines or Z-Hypnotics

Prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics was not associated with increased risk of ADHD in exposed children.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2023-02-06T10:06:42-04:00February 1st, 2023|ADHD, Child Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Changes in Neonatal Brain Development and Behavior

Maternal ACEs were associated with both newborn amygdala volume and subsequent infant negative emotionality.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2022-09-29T13:57:02-04:00October 4th, 2022|Child Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

Essential Reads: Measuring the Impact of Antenatal Depression on the Fetal Brain Using Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging studies indicate that exposure to antenatal depression may determine risk for later neuropsychiatric illness in the child.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-03-25T08:28:44-04:00June 2nd, 2021|Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Essential Reads, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Essential Reads: Using Neuroimaging to Visualize the Impact of Maternal Depression on the Developing Brain

When a woman comes in for a consultation regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, we spend most of our time reviewing the potential risks of exposure to medications during pregnancy. However, we must also [...]

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-03-25T08:29:04-04:00February 24th, 2021|Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Essential Reads, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Taking a Closer Look at Motor Development in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants

While we have data to support the use of antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), during pregnancy, most studies have focused on risk of congenital [...]

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-03-25T08:31:46-04:00January 19th, 2021|Antidepressants, Child Outcomes, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off