Risks to the Unborn: An Umbrella Review on the Effects of Prenatal Maternal Stress Caused by Natural Disasters

Traditionally, to promote an optimal pregnancy trajectory and child development, encompassing both physical and mental health, a preventative focus is crucial and - ideally - exposure to negative influences is supposed to be limited. However, when prevention is not feasible, early identification of developmental impairments is paramount to address potential risk factors for future development. Specifically, one source of developmental impairment is prenatal maternal stress. This umbrella review integrates and summarizes current research on the diverse developmental consequences of prenatal maternal stress caused by natural disasters. The cumulative evidence strongly suggests that the effect of maternal stress during pregnancy does not end after pregnancy but can lead to a wide range of detrimental effects on a child's development throughout the whole lifespan. By synthesizing previous empirical findings, the current review provides an overview about potential congenital developmental difficulties as well as the interdependence of these negative effects. The depicted results highlight a risk of overarching negative effects of prenatal stress for the child. It is stated that in order to prevent possible long-lasting effects this risk has to be effectively taken into account. Possible recommendations for prevention interventions are discussed.