Prenatal alcohol exposure can impact both brain development and neurobehavioral function, including verbal learning and recall, although the relation between verbal recall and brain structure in this population has not been examined fully. We aimed to determine the structural neural correlates of verbal learning and recall in youth with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure using a region of interest (ROI) approach. As part of an ongoing multisite project, subjects (age 10-16 years) with prenatal alcohol exposure (AE, n = 81) and controls (CON, n = 81) were tested using the CVLT-C and measures of cortical volume, surface area, and thickness as well as hippocampal volume were derived from MRI. Group differences in brain and memory indices were tested with ANOVA. Multiple regression analyses tested whether brain ROIs significantly predicted memory performance. The AE group had lower scores than the CON group on all CVLT-C variables (ps ≤ .001) and volume and surface area (ps < .025), although results varied by ROI. No group differences in cortical thickness were found. The relations between cortical structure and memory performance differed between group among some ROIs, particularly those in the frontal cortex, generally with smaller surface area and/or thinner cortex predicting better performance in CON but worse performance in AE. Cortical surface area appears to be the most sensitive index to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, while cortical thickness appears to be the least sensitive. These findings also indicate that the neural correlates of verbal memory are altered in youth with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure compared to controls.

Perinatal posttraumatic stress disorder (P-PTSD) is not commonly included in the conversation regarding mental health concerns for perinatal or postpartum women. There is both limited research in this area as well as limited recognition of P-PTSD. Because of the lack of recognition of P-PTSD, precise prevalence rates are uncertain. The need for better awareness and understanding of P-PTSD among mental health clinicians, medical providers, and interdisciplinary care teams is imperative to best support women experiencing symptoms. The study and recognition of P-PTSD is invaluable because effects of P-PTSD for a mother and her family can be deleterious. P-PTSD affects a mother's social network and interpersonal relationships, including potentially her relationship with her child. An empathic and well-informed clinician can help to mitigate these outcomes. This article seeks to educate clinicians about P-PTSD and discusses the prevalence, risk factors for, and clinical presentation of this disorder, including a consideration of cultural factors. The need for more effective and relational screening for these disorders, as well as treatment methods, are also discussed. Future research on P-PTSD is warranted across assessment, treatment, and cultural considerations. Clinical Impact StatementPregnancy and the birth of a child are commonly considered positive life events; however this is not everyone's experience. In fact, during this period, women are at an increased risk for experiencing perinatal PTSD (P-PTSD). This article is designed to introduce clinicians to considerations about working with this population.