Prenatal maternal infections and children's socioemotional outcomes

Abstract

Previous research suggests that prenatal maternal infections may be associated with increased odds of children having a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, little evidence exists on associations with broader child outcomes, especially sub-clinical symptoms. Participants were the N = 14021 members of the population-representative UK Millennium Cohort Study. We examined associations between prenatal maternal infections, both maternal-reported and hospital-recorded, and children’s socioemotional development, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at age three. Maternal-reported prenatal infections were associated with increased emotional symptoms, after adjusting for several covariates. Hospital-recorded prenatal infections were associated with increased peer relationship problems, after adjusting for covariates. No associations were found between prenatal maternal infections and children’s prosocial behaviour. Findings suggest that prenatal maternal infections may be associated with increased socioemotional difficulties in early childhood, in particular emotional and peer relationship problems. This emphasises the need for screening for and treating infections during pregnancy. Further, the occurrence of prenatal infection indicates the potential need for early intervention for children’s socioemotional difficulties.