A Review of Associations between Externalizing Behaviors and Prenatal Cannabis Exposure: Limitations & Future Directions.

In utero cannabis exposure can disrupt fetal development and increase risk for various behavioral disruptions, including hyperactivity, inattention, delinquent behaviors, and later substance abuse, among others. This review summarizes the findings from contemporary investigations linking prenatal cannabis exposure to the development of psychopathology and identifies the limitations within the literature, which constrain our interpretations and generalizability. These limitations include a lack of genetic/familial control for confounding and limited data examining real world products, the full range of cannabinoids, and motives for use specifically in pregnant women.

Maternal depression and anxiety effects on the human fetus: Preliminary findings and clinical implications.

Newborns of depressed and anxious mothers show biobehavioral abnormalities suggesting that maternal psychological distress has negative effects on the fetus. Two studies examined the fetuses of depressed and nondepressed mothers: (a) a cross-sectional investigation of fetal activity during the second and third trimesters and (b) an examination of behavioral and heart rate response to vibratory stimulation in late-gestation fetuses. Fetuses of depressed mothers were more active during the fifth, sixth, and seventh gestational months.

Maternal depression and psychotropic medication effects on the human fetus.

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.

Stable preterm infants gain more weight and sleep less after five days of massage therapy.

Objective: To examine the effects of 5 days of massage therapy on the weight gain and sleep/wake behavior of hospitalized stable preterm infants.

Methods: Massage therapy (body stroking/passive limb movement for three 15-minute periods per day) was provided to 16 preterm neonates (mean gestational age, 30.1 weeks; mean birth weight, 1359 g), and their weight gain, formula intake, kilocalories, stooling, and sleep/wake behavior were compared with a group of 16 control infants (mean gestational age, 31.