History
Processing, please wait...
Database
search
in
Filter year from
to
Language
Country
  • Enter your search phrase in the search box.
  • General search:
    • The Boolean operator AND between the terms is assumed by default. If you enter the words European Union in the search box, the system returns all records in which both words occur, regardless of their order.
    • When entering a set of words in quotes, e.g "european union", all records containing the literal term "European Union" will be retrieved.
  • Search by access fields (e.g. author, title, etc.):
    • To direct your search, choose the field in which you want to search the word or expression.
    • Search in the field assumes by default the expression in quotes, e.g. European union will retrieve all records containing the literal term "European Union"
  • To perform more complex searches, additional words or expressions may be added.
  • If you want to refine the search results, you can always access the link "search" in the upper left corner of the page of search results.
  • The search engine is not case sensitive. For example, the word congress has the same meaning that Congress or CONGRESS.
  • To truncate your search expression, use the $ character
  • You can filter the results of your search by a date or date range, filling the appropriate boxes.
Base:
BIAL Foundation
Search:
DE:"Prenatal stress"
Results
1
to
6
from
6
found.
View
Selection Description
Type Title Begin End
DocumentMild prenatal stress causes emotional and brain structural modifications in rats of both sexes2018

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-030
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
030 - Exploring the neural basis of motivation
Duration: 2017-01 - 2020-03
Researcher(s):
Ana João Rodrigues, Nivaldo Vasconcelos, Carina Cunha, Bárbara Coimbra, Laura Silva, Patrícia Monteiro, Sónia Borges, Pedro Morgado
Institution(s): Life and Health Sciences Research Institute - ICVS, School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga (Portugal)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Rodrigues, A. J.
Secondary author(s):
Vasconcelos, N., Cunha, C., Coimbra, B., Silva, L., Monteiro, P., Borges, S., Morgado, P.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Reward / Reinforcement / Mesolimbic system / Behavior / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-030.06
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Mild prenatal stress causes emotional and brain structural modifications in rats of both sexes
Publication year: 2018
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00129/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Stress or high levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) during developmental periods is known to induce persistent effects in the neuroendocrine circuits that control stress response, which may underlie individuals' increased risk for developing neuropsychiatric conditions later in life, such as anxiety or depression. We developed a rat model (Wistar han) of mild exposure to unpredictable prenatal stress (PS), which consists in a 4-h stressor administered three times per week on a random basis; stressors include strobe lights, noise and restrain. Pregnant dams subjected to this protocol present disrupted circadian corticosterone secretion and increased corticosterone secretion upon acute stress exposure. Regarding progeny, both young adult (2 months old) male and female rats present increased levels of circulating corticosterone and hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis to acute stress exposure. Both sexes present anxious- and depressive-like behaviors, shown by the decreased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) and in the light side of the light-dark box (LDB), and by increased immobility time in the forced swim test, respectively. Interestingly, these results were accompanied by structural modifications of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) and hippocampus, as well as decreased norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the BNST, and serotonin levels in the hippocampus. In summary, we characterize a new model of mild PS, and show that stressful events during pregnancy can lead to long-lasting structural and neurochemical effects in the offspring, which affect behavior in adulthood.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Soares-Cunha, C.
Secondary author(s):
Coimbra, B., Borges, S., Domingues, A. V., Silva, D.,, Sousa, N., Rodrigues, A. J.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Soares-Cunha, C., Coimbra, B., Borges, S., Domingues, A. V., Silva, D., Sousa, N., & Rodrigues, A. J. (2018). Mild prenatal stress causes emotional and brain structural modifications in rats of both sexes. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12, 129. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00129
2-year Impact Factor: 2.622|2018
Times cited: 62|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Prenatal stress / Anxiety / Depression / BNST / Hippocampus

Mild prenatal stress causes emotional and brain structural modifications in rats of both sexes

Mild prenatal stress causes emotional and brain structural modifications in rats of both sexes
DocumentResilience to stress and sex-specific remodeling of microglia and neuronal morphology in a rat model of anxiety and anhedonia2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-030
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
030 - Exploring the neural basis of motivation
Duration: 2017-01 - 2020-03
Researcher(s):
Ana João Rodrigues, Nivaldo Vasconcelos, Carina Cunha, Bárbara Coimbra, Laura Silva, Patrícia Monteiro, Sónia Borges, Pedro Morgado
Institution(s): Life and Health Sciences Research Institute - ICVS, School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga (Portugal)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Rodrigues, A. J.
Secondary author(s):
Vasconcelos, N., Cunha, C., Coimbra, B., Silva, L., Monteiro, P., Borges, S., Morgado, P.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Reward / Reinforcement / Mesolimbic system / Behavior / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-030.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Resilience to stress and sex-specific remodeling of microglia and neuronal morphology in a rat model of anxiety and anhedonia
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352289521000102
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Prenatal exposure to stress or glucocorticoids (GC) is associated with the appearance of psychiatric diseases later in life. Microglia, the immune cells of the brain, are altered in stress-related disorders.
Synthetic GC such as dexamethasone (DEX) are commonly prescribed in case of preterm risk labour in order to promote fetal lung maturation. Recently, we reported long-lasting differences in microglia morphology in a model of in utero exposure to DEX (iuDEX), that presents an anxious phenotype. However, it is still unclear if stress differentially affects iuDEX males and females.
In this work, we evaluated how iuDEX animals of both sexes cope with chronic mild stress for 2 weeks. We evaluated emotional behavior and microglia and neuronal morphology in the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two brain regions involved in emotion-related disorders. We report that males and females prenatally exposed to DEX have better performance in anxiety- and depression-related behavioral tests after chronic stress exposure in adulthood than non-exposed animals. Interestingly, iuDEX animals present sex-dependent changes in microglia morphology in the dHIP (hypertrophy in females) and in the NAc (atrophy in females and hypertrophy in males). After chronic stress, these cells undergo sex-specific morphological remodeling. Paralleled to these alterations in cytoarchitecture of microglia, we report inter-regional differences in dendritic morphology in a sex-specific manner. iuDEX females present fewer complex neurons in the NAc, whereas iuDEX males presented less complex neuronal morphology in the dHIP. Interestingly, these alterations were modified by stress exposure.
Our work shows that stressful events during pregnancy can exert a preserved sex-specific effect in adulthood. Although the role of the observed cellular remodeling is still unknown, sex-specific differences in microglia plasticity induced by long-term stress exposure may anticipate differences in drug efficacy in the context of stress-induced anxiety- or depression-related behaviors.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Gaspar, R.
Secondary author(s):
Soares-Cunha, C., Domingues, A. V., Coimbra, B., Baptista, F. I., Pinto. L., Ambrósio, A. F., Rodrigues, A. J., Gomes, C. A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Gaspar, R., Soares-Cunha, C., Domingues, A. V., Coimbra, B., Baptista, F. I., Pinto. L., Ambrósio, A. F., Rodrigues, A. J., & Gomes, C. A. (2021). Resilience to stress and sex-specific remodeling of microglia and neuronal morphology in a rat model of anxiety and anhedonia. Neurobiology of Stress, 14, 100302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100302
2-year Impact Factor: 7.142|2021
Times cited: 30|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Prenatal stress / Chronic stress / Microglia morphology / Sex / Nucleus accumbens / Dorsal hippocampus

Resilience to stress and sex-specific remodeling of microglia and neuronal morphology in a rat model of anxiety and anhedonia

Resilience to stress and sex-specific remodeling of microglia and neuronal morphology in a rat model of anxiety and anhedonia
DocumentEmotion regulation strategies and perceived stress during pregnancy in expectant mothers and fathers2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-111
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
111 - A psychophysiological perspective of the transformative experience of pregnancy
Duration: 2017-03 - 2020-02
Researcher(s):
Helena Rutherford, Linda Mayes, Catherine Monk, Elizabeth Meins, Brianna Francis
Institution(s): Child Study Center – CSC, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Rutherford, H.
Secondary author(s):
Mayes, L., Monk, C., Meins, E., Francis, B,
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pregnancy / Mind-mindedness / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Event-related potential (ERP) / Parent-fetal responding / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-111.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Emotion regulation strategies and perceived stress during pregnancy in expectant mothers and fathers
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02646838.2022.2110224?journalCode=cjri20
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT
Background
Stress during pregnancy can increase physical and mental health risks in parents and offspring. Emotion regulation (ER) may protect against prenatal stress; however, ER is understudied in expectant parents, particularly expectant fathers. This study aimed to evaluate associations between ER strategies (reappraisal, suppression, ratio of suppression-to-reappraisal) and perceived stress among expectant parents, and also test whether expectant mothers and fathers differed in ER strategy use and perceived stress levels.
Methods
N = 83 expectant parents (62.7% mothers) in the third trimester completed measures assessing perceived stress,reappraisal, and suppression. ANCOVA, hierarchical regression, and multilevel models were used to evaluate associations between ER strategies and perceived stress, and test for sex differences.
Results
Controlling for age and education, lower reappraisal and higher suppression were associated with higher perceived stress; in addition, higher suppression-to-reappraisal ratios were associated with greater perceived stress. Mothers and fathers did not differ in perceived stress, reappraisal, or suppression; however, suppression-to-reappraisal ratios significantly differed.
Conclusion
Increasing ER skills such as reappraisal while reducing suppression may be beneficial for decreasing stress in expectant parents. Expectant fathers report similar levels of perceived stress to mothers and would benefit from prenatal mental health screening and intervention.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Penner, F.
Secondary author(s):
Bunderson, M., Bartz, C., Brooker, R., Rutherford, H.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Penner, F., Bunderson, M., Bartz, C., Brooker, R., & Rutherford, H. (2022). Emotion regulation strategies and perceived stress during pregnancy in expectant mothers and fathers. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 42(3), 410–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2022.2110224
2-year Impact Factor: 2.500|2022
Times cited: 5|2025-09-24
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Prenatal stress / Emotion regulation / Cognitive reappraisal / Emotional suppression / Expectant mothers / Expectant fathers
DocumentA longitudinal study of stress during pregnancy, children's sleep and polygenic risk for poor sleep in the general pediatric population2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-381
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
381 - Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol
Duration: 2021-09 - 2024-04
Researcher(s):
Desana Kocevska, Annemarie Luik
Institution(s): Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Kocevska, D.
Secondary author(s):
Luik, A.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Sleep / Stress / Amygdala / Cortisol / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-381.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
A longitudinal study of stress during pregnancy, children's sleep and polygenic risk for poor sleep in the general pediatric population
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-023-01097-2
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Early life stress is robustly associated with poor sleep across life. Preliminary studies suggest that these associations may begin already in utero. Here, we study the longitudinal associations of prenatal psychosocial stress with sleep across childhood, and assess whether prenatal stress interacts with genetic liability for poor sleep.
The study is embedded in the Generation R population-based birth cohort. Caregivers reported on prenatal psychosocial stress (life events, contextual, parental or interpersonal stressors) and on children’s sleep at ages 2 months, 1.5, 2, 3 and 6 years. The study sample consisted of 4,930 children; polygenic risk scores for sleep traits were available in 2,063.
Prenatal stress was consistently associated with more sleep problems across assessments. Effect sizes ranged from small (B = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.14;0.27) at 2 months to medium (B = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.38;0.53) at 2 years. Prenatal stress was moreover associated with shorter sleep duration at 2 months (Bhrs = -0.22, 95%CI: -0.32;-0.12) and at 2 years (Bhrs = -0.04, 95%CI -0.07; -0.001), but not at 3 years (Bhrs = 0.02, 95%CI: -0.02;0.06). Prenatal negative life events interacted with polygenic risk for insomnia to exacerbate sleep problems at 6 years (Binteraction = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.02;0.13).
Psychosocial stress during pregnancy has negative associations with children’s sleep that persist across childhood, and are exacerbated by genetic liability for insomnia. Associations with sleep duration were more pronounced in infancy and seem to attenuate with age. These findings highlight the role of the prenatal environment for developing sleep regulation, and could inform early intervention programs targeting sleep in children from high-risk pregnancies.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Kocevska, D.
Secondary author(s):
Schuurmans, I. K., Cecil, C. A. M, Jansen, P. W., van Someren, E. J. W., Luik, A. I.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Kocevska, D., Schuurmans, I. K., Cecil, C. A. M., Jansen, P. W., van Someren, E. J. W., & Luik, A. I. (2023). A longitudinal study of stress during pregnancy, children's sleep and polygenic risk for poor sleep in the general pediatric population. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 51(12), 1909–1918. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-023-01097-2
2-year Impact Factor: 2.9|2023
Times cited: 3|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Polygenic risk score / Prenatal stress / Sleep duration / Sleep problems

A longitudinal study of stress during pregnancy, children's sleep and polygenic risk for poor sleep in the general pediatric population

A longitudinal study of stress during pregnancy, children's sleep and polygenic risk for poor sleep in the general pediatric population
DocumentFinal report - Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-381
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
381 - Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol
Duration: 2021-09 - 2024-04
Researcher(s):
Desana Kocevska, Annemarie Luik
Institution(s): Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Kocevska, D.
Secondary author(s):
Luik, A.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Sleep / Stress / Amygdala / Cortisol / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-381.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol
Publication year: 2024
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
Early life stress is robustly associated with poor sleep across life. Preliminary studies suggest that these associations may begin already in utero. Here, we study the longitudinal associations of prenatal psychosocial stress with sleep across childhood, and assess whether prenatal stress interacts with genetic liability and cortisol levels for poor sleep.
The study is embedded in the Generation R population-based birth cohort. Caregivers reported on prenatal psychosocial stress (life events, contextual, parental or interpersonal stressors) and on children’s sleep at ages 2 months, 1.5, 2, 3 and 6 years. The study sample consisted of 4,930 children; polygenic risk scores for sleep traits were available in 2,063. In a subsample (n=1500) we also analyzed interactions between prenatal psychosocial stress and hair cortisol levels on sleep pre-adolescence. Prenatal stress was consistently associated with more sleep problems across assessments. Effect sizes ranged from small (B = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.14;0.27) at 2 months to medium (B = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.38;0.53) at 2 years. Prenatal stress was moreover associated with shorter sleep duration at 2 months (Bhrs = -0.22, 95%CI: -0.32;-0.12) and at 2 years (Bhrs = -0.04, 95%CI -0.07; -0.001), but not at 3 years (Bhrs = 0.02, 95%CI: -0.02;0.06). Prenatal negative life events interacted with polygenic risk for insomnia to exacerbate sleep problems at 6 years (Binteraction = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.02;0.13). Associations between prenatal stress and sleep in preadolescence were not modified by cortisol levels.
Psychosocial stress during pregnancy has negative associations with children’s sleep that persist across childhood, and areexacerbated by genetic liability for insomnia. Associations with sleep duration were more pronounced in infancy and seem to attenuate with age. These findings highlight the role of the prenatal environment for developing sleep regulation, and could inform early intervention programs targeting sleep in children from high-risk pregnancies.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Kocevska, D.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Kocevska, D. (2024). Final report - Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Prenatal stress / Sleep problems / Sleep duration / Polygenic risk score

Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol

Pathways from prenatal and postnatal stress to sleep quality across childhood: The role of the amygdala and cortisol
DocumentThe effects of prenatal stress on neural responses to infant cries in expectant mothers and fathers2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-111
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
111 - A psychophysiological perspective of the transformative experience of pregnancy
Duration: 2017-03 - 2020-02
Researcher(s):
Helena Rutherford, Linda Mayes, Catherine Monk, Elizabeth Meins, Brianna Francis
Institution(s): Child Study Center – CSC, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Rutherford, H.
Secondary author(s):
Mayes, L., Monk, C., Meins, E., Francis, B,
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pregnancy / Mind-mindedness / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Event-related potential (ERP) / Parent-fetal responding / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-111.09
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
The effects of prenatal stress on neural responses to infant cries in expectant mothers and fathers
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.22280
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The perinatal period is characterized by distinct neurobiological and psychological changes initiated prenatally, which may both facilitate postpartum caregiving and increase vulnerability to stress. Parents need to adapt to the high demands of caregiving, which include responding to salient infant cues, such as infant cries. Therefore, assessing the impact of prenatal stress exposure on parents' neural processing of infant cries may elucidate mechanisms conferring early risk for detrimental perinatal outcomes. Using event-related potentials, we examined whether prenatal perceived stress affected neural markers of perceptual (N1, P2) and attentional (LPP) processes elicited by high- and low-distress infant cries in expectant mothers (n = 38) and fathers (n = 30). Results evidenced that prenatal perceived stress impacted parents' sustained attentional processing (LPP) of infant cries, but not early perceptual responses (N1, P2). Specifically, higher levels of prenatal perceived stress were associated with a greater LPP response to low-distress, but not high-distress, infant cries. There were no parental sex differences in prenatal perceived stress or neural responses to infant cries. Increased attentional processing of low-distress cries in highly stressed parents may reflect uncertainty regarding infant distress level, thereby requiring more attentional resources. Overall, our results suggest that prenatal stress impacts processing of infant cues, even before birth.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Peoples, S. G.
Secondary author(s):
Lowell, A. F., Bunderson, M., Bartz, C., Yip, S. W., Rutherford, H. J. V.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Peoples, S. G., Lowell, A. F., Bunderson, M., Bartz, C., Yip, S. W., & Rutherford, H. J. V. (2022). The effects of prenatal stress on neural responses to infant cries in expectant mothers and fathers. Developmental Psychobiology, 64(5), e22280. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.22280
2-year Impact Factor: 2.2|2022
Times cited: 8|2025-09-24
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: EEG/ERP / Expectant parents / Infant cries / Pregnancy / Prenatal stress