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A new study published on 16 October 2026 in Nature Communications offers some of the strongest evidence yet that a mother’s mental health during pregnancy also matters for her baby’s development.
What the researchers did
Researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Denver followed pregnant women with elevated symptoms of depression. Some received interpersonal psychotherapy – eight weekly 50-minute sessions focused on relationships and social support. The others received enhanced usual care: standard antenatal care, a session about depression in pregnancy and information on local mental health resources. In total, 109 babies were followed up.
What they found
Babies whose mothers received therapy showed about a 5% difference in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and emotions. This difference was linked to lower negative emotionality – less irritability – at 6 months of age.
An important caveat
These are early results. The study is relatively small, some analyses were exploratory and the findings need to be confirmed. It is also not yet clear exactly how improving the mother’s depression changes the baby’s brain.
What it means for you
The authors estimate that depression affects 20% to 40% of pregnant women. It is common and nothing to be ashamed of. If you have felt sad, anxious or exhausted for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor, midwife or someone close to you. Asking for help is a way of caring for both you and your baby.
Read more about emotional wellbeing in our Pregnancy section.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz – Nature Communications, 16 October 2026
This news item is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For questions about your health or your baby’s health, please speak to your paediatrician, midwife, obstetrician or GP.
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