New findings were published in the Paediatric and Prenatal Epidemiology about the effects of a mother’s anxiety on a baby’s size and gestational age. Anxiety during the third trimester seems to have the most effect. Babies are born earlier and smaller. Of course severe anxiety has the most impact, however anxiety during the first two trimesters isn’t as problematic. If women are taking a certain anti-depressant with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), there is concern about its effect on an infant’s health.
