Infants often seem to be oblivious to the world, smiling even in sleep, but a study reported by MedicalNewsToday.com says otherwise, cautioning that newborn babies can actually feel stress, which may lead to heart problems later on in life.
Laboratory trials were run by neonatologist Dr. Catalina Bazacliu of the Medical College of Georgia and Children's Hospital at Georgia at Georgia Regents University. Stressors, such as being separated from the mother, cause a baby to release the hormone angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels. This condition may lead to long-term heart problems in the future.
"We believe these babies may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease…" she explains.
Previous studies have also indicated that babies who have experienced their mother's preeclampsia had increased heart disease risk as adults, whether or not they were born full-term. This is due to environmental stress factors such as the reduction of blood, oxygen, and nutrition caused by the condition.
It's important for moms to maintain close ties with their babies, and to spend time with them as much as they can. Stress won't be a problem if a child always feels safe and loved.
(Photo by Coralie Mercier via Flickr Creative Commons)
