Maternal Wellbeing

“The fetus is an active being from the start, responding to stimuli but also actively initiating events” (Music, 2017). The development of a baby in utero is a combination of physical and emotional development that is established by maternal wellness. Maternal wellness includes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. A mother’s placenta can transmit cortisol and serotonin to the developing fetus and can affect brain development (Glover, et al., 2014). Therefore, it is imperative for not only the wellbeing of the mother to maintain emotional wellbeing, but it also benefits the fetus and eventually the baby when it is born. 

As an early childhood educator and as a mother, it is important to me that children have an optimal start in this world. The advantages to having a healthy pregnancy are not only beneficial to the mother and baby but as a society as well. Healthy, well adjusted babies grow up to be healthy and well adjusted adults. Maternal wellbeing is often overlooked and the challenges that are faced in pregnancy contribute to struggles postpartum. As a society, we need to understand the implications of pregnant women not being supported financially and emotionally. 

 

Glover, V., O’Connor, T. G., O’Donnell, K., & Capron, L. (2014). How Prenatal Depression, Anxiety,                 and Stress May Affect Child Outcome. Zero to Three, 34(4), 22–28. 

Music, G. (2017). Nurturing natures: Attachment and children’s emotional, sociocultural, and                                brain development (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Psychology Press.