{
  "id": 15423241,
  "title": "Treating depression during pregnancy may benefit baby’s brain development – new research",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-18T13:52:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
    "slug": "the-hindu-sci-tech",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain-development-new-research/article71599350.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that treating depression during pregnancy may positively impact the brain development of the baby. Depression affects 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and preterm birth. Furthermore, prenatal depression can increase the risk of mental illness in the child.\n\nThe research, co-authored by the reporter, involved 234 pregnant women with depression who were randomly assigned to receive either MOMCare (an eight-session interpersonal psychotherapy program) or education about mental health and strategies for managing depression symptoms. Both groups continued receiving their usual medical care.\n\nAfter a few weeks of birth, researchers measured the volume of different brain areas in the infants using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They found that the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning, memory, and emotional regulation, was 5% smaller by volume in babies whose mothers received MOMCare compared to those in the control group. This difference persisted six months later when the babies were brought back to the lab to test their emotional responses to unfamiliar experiences.\n\nWhile the findings may initially seem counterintuitive, research indicates that faster brain growth in infants doesn't always translate to negative outcomes. In some cases, stress can even accelerate early brain development. The study highlights the importance of addressing maternal health issues, such as depression, during pregnancy, as it benefits both the mother and the developing baby's health.",
  "summary": "The findings, if confirmed, could explain the biological underpinnings behind why treating prenatal depression is so critical. Further, they support public health initiatives to increase accessible mental health support during pregnancy",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation",
        "title": "Treating depression during pregnancy may benefit baby’s brain development – new research",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:23:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Medical Xpress",
        "title": "Treating depression during pregnancy may benefit baby's brain development—new research",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain-14991446",
        "published": "2026-10-16T16:00:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Treating depression during pregnancy supports infant brain development, study finds",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-supports-infant-brain",
        "published": "2026-10-17T09:21:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu Health",
        "title": "Treating depression during pregnancy may benefit baby’s brain development – new research",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain-15425801",
        "published": "2026-10-18T13:52:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}