Prenatal stress leaves chemical marks on newborn DNA, study shows

A large-scale analysis has found that maternal stress during pregnancy alters DNA methylation patterns in newborns—chemical modifications that can influence gene activity without changing DNA itself. The discovery could reshape how healthcare systems screen for early health risks and support pregnant women, with implications for preventive medicine and long-term health outcomes.

Originaltitel: Epigenome-wide meta-analysis of prenatal maternal stressful life events and newborn DNA methylation