Effect of Prenatal Stress on Early Learning

The Effects of Prenatal Stress on Learning in Early Childhood

by Irene Helen Zundel

Doctors have understood for years that prenatal stress can cause premature birth. Recent research indicates that it may have a negative impact on prenatal brain development and the acquisition of early learning skills as well.

When a pregnant woman is stressed, her body produces a large amount of cortisol and other stress hormones. High levels of these hormones impair the development of critical brain cells called neurons. Here is what happens:

During the third week of pregnancy, a thin layer of cells folds inward forming a neural tube. In this tube, neurons (brain cells that store and transmit information) are produced at the amazing rate of 250,000 cells per minute. These neurons are responsible for every conceivable activity including breathing, development of reflexes, regulation of the heartbeat, and development of the brain’s capacity to store and send information. At the end of the second trimester, production of neurons ceases entirely. No more neurons will be produced in the individual’s lifetime.

After birth, each of the brain's 100 billion neurons begin to create thousands of links with each other, creating a weblike network of wire-like fibers called axons (which transmit signals) and dendrites (which receive signals). Once axons make their first connections, the nerves begin to fire. This process is generally referred to as the “wiring” of the brain.

Scientists often describe this stage as the equivalent of creating telephone trunk lines between every phone in the neighborhood, and every neighborhood in the city. At this point in development, the brain begins to sort out which wires belong to which house. These connections known as synapses, become the “map” by which the brain will send and receive input in the process of learning.

In the months after birth the number of synapses increases from 50 trillion to 1 quadrillion. Neurons that are stimulated by input from the child’s surrounding environment continue to establish new synapses. Those that are seldom stimulated soon die off. Dr. Harry Chugani, professor of pediatric neurology at Wayne State University says "It's like a highway system. Roads with the most traffic get widened. The ones that are rarely used fall into disrepair.”

When prenatal stress hormones impair the initial development of neurons, there are less cells to form connections, and less wiring of the pathways the brain needs to communicate effectively and to receive and store information. As a result, children can develop learning deficits.

While this may seem distressing, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Researchers have found that the brain possesses a quality called “plasticity” (the ability to change and develop in response to demands in the environment). If proper stimulation is provided during the developmental stages when the brain is trying to learn key skills, the proper wiring will occur and the deficit can be overcome. The most important factor in this process of developing new connections while learning is stimulation and repetition.

Here are a few tips for providing a learning environment conducive to overcoming early deficits:

1. Create a stable bond between parent/caregiver and child

2. Provide a warm and loving environment

3. Have plenty of direct interaction and verbal communication with your child

4. Read, sing, and talk regularly with your baby to stimulate the development of language skills

5. Encourage safe exploration and play

6. Develop stable daily routines and rituals

7. Limit television time and be selective with programming

8. Provide your child with toys that enhance learning

Sidebar:

Here are some recommended toys for early learning:

activity boards with dials and buttons to manipulate