Does maternal mood during pregnancy really affect early brain development? (A Developing Human Connectome Project).
Lead Research Organisation:
King's College London
Department Name: Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science
Abstract
The specific aim of the current study is to analyse the relationship between antenatal depression and brain networks in the (a) foetal and (b) neonatal brain using a variety of novel imaging techniques.
The project will enable us to better fractionate the specific role of antenatal depressed mood on early brain development (i.e, earlier than any previous researchers have been able to study), helping to determine when to direct specific treatments. The study will also focus on the effect that the use of SSRI medication during pregnancy has on foetal and neonatal brain development.
The project will enable us to better fractionate the specific role of antenatal depressed mood on early brain development (i.e, earlier than any previous researchers have been able to study), helping to determine when to direct specific treatments. The study will also focus on the effect that the use of SSRI medication during pregnancy has on foetal and neonatal brain development.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/N013700/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 1931779 | Studentship | MR/N013700/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/12/2021 | Alexandra Lautarescu |
| Description | KCL MRC Flexible Supplement Fund |
| Amount | £807 (GBP) |
| Organisation | King's College London |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2019 |
| End | 07/2019 |
| Description | KCL MRC Flexible Supplement Fund |
| Amount | £740 (GBP) |
| Organisation | King's College London |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2018 |
| End | 05/2018 |
| Description | Media coverage of research paper |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The "Maternal prenatal stress is associated with altered uncinate fasciculus microstructure in premature neonates" article was extensively covered by the media, both nationally and internationally. A few examples include: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/more-interventions-needed-for-mothers-as-prenatal-stress-could-affect-babys-brain-say-researchers https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women/brain-baby-mother-stress-development-pregnancy-study-kings-college-london-a9147626.html https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/health/stress-during-pregnancy-harmful-to-babies-a4256751.html https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/prenatal-stress-could-affect-babys-brain-researchers-say-955717.html https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/national-news/17954245.prenatal-stress-affect-babys-brain-researchers-say/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Postdocalypse podcast episode |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The research project was discussed as part of an episode on the Postdocalypse Podcast, which reached 300+ individuals. This activity stimulated increased interest in research and sparked questions and discussions with other postgraduate students and members of the public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://soundcloud.com/kings-hsdtc/postdocalypse-episode-2-neurodevelopment-and-mental-health |
| Description | STEM for Britain 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Initial research findings were presented to Members of Parliament at STEM for Britain 2019, a scientific poster competition in the House of Commons. This fostered greater dialogue and engagement between early-career researchers and Members, with the aim of influencing public policy and improving understanding of STEM research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | http://www.setforbritain.org.uk/index.asp |
| Description | Scientific consulting for Science Gallery exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Met with artists from Resolve Collective to provide consulting on the effects of anxiety and mood disorder on brain development. This informed the "Common Thread" exhibit at the Science Gallery London (Sept 2019 - Jan 2020). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://london.sciencegallery.com/on-edge |
| Description | Skype a scientist |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Research project was discussed with approximately 30 students from Selma, CA, USA (11th and 12th grade), who expressed an interest in careers in health science. This activity was done as part of the Skype a Scientist initiative and students reported increased interest in subject area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.skypeascientist.com/ |