The Link Between Maternal Mood and the Developing Fetus: A Suggested Best Practices Model

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to identify and understand the link between the mother’s mood and fetal development and the possibility of the development of mood disorders in utero. Mental and emotional stressors experienced by a mother while carrying her unborn child are also experienced by the baby. The pregnant mother is the baby’s complete environment, therefore, the fetus is potentially exposed to the mother’s environmental stressors. The outcomes of the study explain how and why psychopathology can develop in utero and how prenatal counseling tools can prevent and reduce such outcomes. This literature review examines what counseling agendas and techniques can be recommended for counsellors serving pregnant women who have, or are at risk for, mood disorders.