title: Fetal heart rate variability mediates prenatal depression effects on neonatal neurobehavioral maturity.
abstract: This study analyzed the mediating role of fetal heart rate variability (FHR) on prenatal depression and neonatal neurobehavioral maturity. A sample of 104 pregnant women was recruited and divided into two groups according to their Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores (depressed/non-depressed). FHR variability in response to speech stimuli was assessed at term (between 37 and 39 weeks gestation). The neonates were then assessed on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) during the first 5days after birth. The fetuses of non-depressed pregnant women showed higher HR variability than the fetuses of depressed pregnant women in response to speech stimuli, and later as neonates they performed more optimally on the NBAS (on autonomic stability and total scores). FHR variability mediated the relationship between the mother's prenatal depression and the neonatés NBAS performance. Prenatal depression effects on neonatal behavior may be partially explained by its adverse effects on fetal neurobehavioral maturity.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal. Electronic address: bbfi@psi.uminho.pt.
authors.forename: Bárbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal. Electronic address: tmpinto@psi.uminho.pt.
authors.forename: Tiago Miguel
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4700-057 Braga, Portugal. Electronic address: alexandra.pacheco@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pacheco
authors.affiliation: University of Miami Medical School, USA. Electronic address: tfield@med.miami.edu.
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Field
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002657:Child Development; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000523:psychology; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Fetal heart rate variability; Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS); Neonatal neurobehavioral maturity; Prenatal depression