Stress in the comb can be a life, say researchers behind the new Expozitie

Visitors can see how their negative effects of stress on heart rate of the unborn child and you will understand why pregnant women should concern, in a new exhibition of the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, the researchers behind today.The opens exposure of Imperial College London, in the hope that a family of "awareness of the importance of reducing the stress and fear in the forum. They say that reducing stress during pregnancy can prevent thousands of children in developing countries, emotional and behavioral disorders.

Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to play a game, which shows how a mother can be the stress of the heart of their unborn child. They are also able to reach a true placenta, the plastic items. The placenta is crucial for fetal development and, in general, it protects the unborn child from the stress hormone cortisol. However, if the mother emphasizes the placenta is less protective and maternal cortisol may affect the fetus.

The Imperial researchers' work has shown that stress and maternal anxiety, child brain development. This may lead to an increased risk of psychological problems such as anxiety or depression, behavioral disorders such as attention deficit-hyperactivity, and significantly slower to learn. Some studies have even suggested that increase the likelihood of later violence or criminal behavior. The results of his research has suggested that the effects of stress during pregnancy can last many years, including adolescence.

Professor Vivette Glover, researchers behind the exposure of the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology at Imperial College London, said: "We all know that if the mother smokes or drinks a lot of alcohol during pregnancy may affect her fetus. Our work has shown that other more subtle factors, such as their emotional state, the long-term effects on their child. We hope our exhibition will show in a fun way, why we must all adapt to pregnant women "emotional well-being.

"Our research shows that stress to the mother because of the relationship with their partner may be particularly harmful. We want fathers when visiting our showroom to see how they can help with the development of the child before birth, as their partner to be happy, "says Professor Glover.

The researchers say that the stress hormone cortisol may be a way of the fetus was the concern of the mother during pregnancy. Normally, the placenta protects the fetus by the mother of cortisol, a hormone that enzyme interrupted. If the mother is very stressed this enzyme works less well and allows them to cortisol in the placenta. Through the study, the amount of cortisol in amniotic fluid, the Imperial researchers recent study indicates that more cortisol in the womb, the lower the cognitive development of infant or child IQ at 18 months.

Kieran O'Donnell, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology at Imperial College London, said: "We are very grateful for this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the public about our work. We believe that the promotion of awareness in this regard that we can benefit many families in the future. "