Treating depression during pregnancy may benefit baby’s brain development - new research
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that treating prenatal depression with brief interpersonal psychotherapy, known as MOMCare, may positively influence fetal brain development. The research found that the intervention significantly reduced depression symptoms in pregnant women.
Why it matters
This research highlights the critical link between maternal mental health and long-term developmental outcomes for children, advocating for better prenatal mental health support.
Depression affects 1 in 5 women during pregnancy. SDI Productions/E+ via Getty Images https://theconversation.com/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain-development-new-research-291260 https://theconversation.com/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain-development-new-research-291260 Link copied Share article Share article
Copy link Email Bluesky Facebook WhatsApp Messenger LinkedIn X (Twitter) Print article
Treating pregnant women’s depression with a short course of talk therapy doesn’t just improve their health – it can also shape how their babies’ brains develop before birth . That’s the finding of a new study we co-authored, published in the journal Nature Communications.
The study is part of an ongoing research project that explores how a form of brief interpersonal psychotherapy called MOMCare, which is specially tailored to treating prenatal depression , affects pregnant women with depression and their babies. MOMCare consists of eight 50-minute sessions focused on building interpersonal skills, reducing conflict and strengthening social support.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in