John N. I. Dieter

Depressed withdrawn and intrusive mothers' effects on their fetuses and neonates

Depressed mothers who could be classified as withdrawn or intrusive were compared with nondepressed mothers on their prenatal cortisol and catecholamine levels and on fetal activity and neonatal outcome variables. The data suggested that the withdrawn mothers had lower dopamine levels during pregnancy, and their infants had lower Brazelton scale scores. The infants of withdrawn mothers also had the highest cortisol levels and the lowest dopamine and serotonin levels as well as the most asymmetrical EEG patterns.

Maternal depression and increased fetal activity

Pregnant women with (n = 45) and without (n = 45) symptoms of depression (CES-D score of 16 or more) were provided ultrasound examinations during the second and third trimesters. An analysis of variance on the cross-sectional data yielded a significant diagnosis by gestational month interaction effect (P < 0.05). The fetuses of depressed mothers spent significantly more time being active during the fifth, sixth and seventh gestational months than fetuses of non-depressed mothers. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that 35% of the variance in time being active could be accounted for by the combined depression and trait anxiety scores of the mothers. These findings suggest that maternal depression correlated with increased fetal activity. These data also highlight the need for research on the potential effects of stress hormones on fetal activity.Pregnant women with ( n = 45) and without ( n = 45) symptoms of depression (CES-D score of 16 or more) were provided ultrasound examinations during the second and third trimesters. An analysis of variance on the cross-sectional data yielded a significant diagnosis by gestational month interaction effect ( P < 0·05). The fetuses of depressed mothers spent significantly more time being active during the fifth, sixth and seventh gestational months than fetuses of non-depressed mothers. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that 35% of the variance in time being active could be accounted for by the combined depression and trait anxiety scores of the mothers. These findings suggest that maternal depression correlated with increased fetal activity. These data also highlight the need for research on the potential effects of stress hormones on fetal activity.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increased in preterm neonates following massage therapy.

Objective: To determine if massage therapy increased serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in preterm neonates. Study Design: Forty-two preterm neonates who averaged 34.6 weeks (M = 29.5 wk gestational age; M birth weight = 1237 g) and were in the “grower” (step-down) nursery were randomly assigned to a massage therapy group (body stroking and passive limb movements for three, 15-minute periods per day for 5 days) or a control group that received the standard nursery care without massage therapy. On Days 1 and 5, the serum collected by clinical heelsticks was also assayed for insulin and IGF-1, and weight gain and kilocalories consumed were recorded daily. Results: Despite similar formula intake, the massaged preterm neonates showed greater increases during the 5-day period in (1) weight gain; (2) serum levels of insulin; and (3) IGF-1. Increased weight gain was significantly correlated with insulin and IGF-1. Discussion: Previous data suggested that preterm infant weight gain following massage therapy related to increased vagal activity, which suggests decreased stress and gastric motility, which may contribute to more efficient food absorption. The data from this study suggest for the first time that weight gain was also related to increased serum insulin and IGF-1 levels following massage therapy. Conclusion: Preterm infants who received massage therapy not only showed greater weight gain but also a greater increase in serum insulin and IGF-1 levels, suggesting that massage therapy might be prescribed for all growing neonates.

Migraine Headaches are Reduced by Massage Therapy

Twenty-six adults with migraine headaches were randomly assigned to a wait-list control group or to a massage therapy group, who received two 30-minute massages per week for five consecutive weeks. The massage therapy subjects reported fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more headache free days, fewer sleep disturbances and they showed an increase in serotonin levels.

Maternal Depression and Psychotropic Medication Effects on the Human Fetus

Abstract:  Ultrasound studies examined fetuses of depressed and nondepressed mothers. Fetuses of depressed mothers were more active during mid‐gestation and exhibited lower baseline heart rate and moved less during late‐term vibratory stimulation. Mid‐gestation heightened activity and late‐term diminished responsivity may be a prenatal manifestation of the “general adaptation syndrome.” Color Doppler technology measured blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery of fetuses whose mothers were prescribed SSRIs or lithium. SSRIs were associated with velocity increases and lithium with velocity decreases. The effects of psychotropic medications on prenatal neurobehavioral development require further study to document potential benefits and adverse effects.

The Vascular “Cold Patch” is Not a Prognostic Index for Headache

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