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Maternal stress may increase risk of behavioral problems among kids

By Staff Writer

Pregnant women who regularly endure stress due to two or more factors in their lives may be more likely to have children with behavioral problems than those who sustain a relaxed state of being, according to a recent study published in the journal Development and Psychopathology.

Nearly 3,000 female participants indicated the number of different stressors in their lives, including financial strain and conflict within their relationships. The researchers said that more than 37 percent of the pregnant women reported two or more aspects of their lives that made them anxious, while about 8 percent indicated six or more of these factors.

The study's findings showed that the risk of child behavioral problems coincided with the number of stressors that affected the mothers-to-be.

The scientists explained that if women know that they are under a significant amount of stress during pregnancy, then they should try to ensure that children are provided with a nurturing environment after their delivery to minimize the negative effects on conduct later in life.

Kids who are prone to outbursts or poor behavior may benefit from attending boarding schools for troubled youths.

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