“The study, from researchers within the University of Edinburgh’s Centres for Reproductive Health and Cardiovascular Science, measured cortisol levels in hair samples from 78 volunteer pregnant women. These women’s newborn babies later underwent several non-invasive MRI brain scans - all while fast asleep - to examine their brain development. The scientists found a link between higher cortisol level’s in the volunteer mums’ hair and structural changes in their babies’ brains. They also noticed different brain connections and amygdalla formation associated with the higher cortisol levels. While the study did not directly assess emotion in children, this newly discovered link could provide an explanation for why children of mums who experience high levels of stress may be more likely to develop emotional issues later in life.” Source: https://cardiovascular-science.ed.ac.uk/news-events/news/stress-pregnancy-baby-brain-development