A new study from MedUni Vienna shows that a viral infection during pregnancy can affect the mother’s brain and her caring behavior after birth. The studies have already been conducted on mice.
“Mothers who contracted a viral infection took less care of their young than the animals in the control group,” behavioral biologist Daniela Pollak reported on Wednesday. The study was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Previous studies have shown lifelong consequences
Previous studies in mice have shown that viral infections during pregnancy can affect the developing brains of unborn puppies, with lifelong consequences for brain function and behavior. Now Pollak examined the maternal brain and especially the caring behavior of the mothers. The research was conducted at MedUni Vienna’s Center for Physiology and Pharmacology together with Columbia University (USA).
“The naturally very strong urge to care for one’s own offspring and protect it from danger was much less pronounced. Attachment behavior was also significantly reduced,” Pollak explained the further study results.
Increased risk of pregnant woman
According to the MedUni broadcast, structural, molecular and functional changes were evident not only in the behavior of the dams, but also in their brains. “Women who have had viral, systemic diseases during pregnancy may be at increased risk of developing impaired maternal and infant attachment behavior,” Pollak stressed, even though the results in animals cannot always be extrapolated to humans.
If you suspect, consult a doctor
The researcher recommends that if an infection is suspected during pregnancy, medical or psychotherapeutic treatment should be sought if there are signs of decreased attachment in terms of the well-being of the mother and child.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
