New research suggests that babies born to mothers who experienced trauma during pregnancy—specifically the 9/11 attacks—may inherit altered stress responses due to changes in a key hormone: cortisol. Cortisol is commonly known as the body’s “stress hormone” and plays a major role in regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, and immune responses. But under extreme stress, the body’s cortisol system can become dysregulated—and this dysregulation may start before birth.

What is cortisol and why does it matter?

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps the body manage challenging situations by raising blood glucose levels, increasing blood pressure, and aiding in immune function. Normally, cortisol levels rise when we’re under stress and return to normal afterward.

However, in situations of severe or prolonged stress, the body may start using up cortisol faster than it can produce it. This can lead to abnormally low cortisol levels—a condition linked with fatigue, anxiety, and even immune system disorders.

The 9/11 study: A natural experiment in trauma

A unique study led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Mount Sinai School of Medicine focused on 38 women who witnessed the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. One year after the event, these women and their babies were tested for cortisol levels.

The findings were surprising. Women who developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the attacks had significantly lower levels of cortisol—so did their babies. This suggests that the trauma experienced by the mother was, in some way, biologically passed on to the child.

Timing matters: Third trimester appears most sensitive

Interestingly, the effect was strongest in women who were in their third trimester of pregnancy during the attacks. According to Jonathan Seckl of the University of Edinburgh, this detail points to a biological explanation rather than simply differences in parenting style. “That seems much more biological than about delivering care,” he said.

This timing is crucial because during the third trimester, a baby’s brain and hormonal systems are undergoing rapid development. Any disruptions during this period—such as a sudden drop in cortisol levels—could “program” the baby’s stress response system for life.

Nature, nurture, or both?

While earlier studies linked maternal trauma to children’s stress disorders, many assumed this was due to storytelling or emotional modeling—children learning fear and stress from their parents’ accounts of traumatic events. But the findings from this study challenge that idea.

Since the babies were only around one year old during testing, they were likely too young to have absorbed their mothers’ traumatic stories or behaviors in depth. Instead, the low cortisol levels may reflect biological programming in the womb or even shared genetic vulnerabilities to stress.

Health risks associated with low cortisol

Experts like Andrew Steptoe of University College London caution that while the connection between cortisol and stress is complex, low cortisol levels aren’t necessarily benign. “The most obvious [problem] is regulation of the immune system,” he noted. Chronic low cortisol can leave individuals more vulnerable to infections, inflammation, and mood disorders later in life.

While more research is needed to fully understand how maternal trauma affects fetal development, the 9/11 study adds to growing evidence that stress during pregnancy can have long-term biological effects on children. These findings emphasize the importance of providing psychological support to expectant mothers—especially in times of crisis—to help buffer both them and their babies from lasting harm.

The State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana announced that couples with one or two living female children seeking another child through IVF must get a prior permission from a District Appropriate Authority. The decision came in the backdrop of state's sex ratio, which has gone up to 904 girls for every 1,000 boys till July 5 this year, from 903 last year.

But, does curtailing IVF right really make a difference? On the World IVF Day, Health and Me spoke to Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a gynaecologist and IVF Expert at Nurture to know what she thinks about this recent decision.

Can You Know Your Child's Sex In IVF?

Dr Bajaj points out that when a couple conceives through IVF, a preimplantation genetic diagnostic (PGD) test is performed to screen the embryo for genetic abnormalities. However, it also determines its sex. While declaring a child's sex in India is illegal, she notes that, "activists and authorities claim that it is carried out discreetly in IVF clinics across the country."

She also explains that despite the law banning sex determination at birth, IVF doctors in various parts of the nation receive inquiries every month about PGD for sex selection, with 90% of them wanting a son. Dr Bajaj says, "They literally beg: 'We won't tell anyone, so please do it'."

Since sex determination is illegal in India, some wealthy couples avoid the laws entirely, by "opting for IVF treatment in countries where sex selection is legal, such as the UAE and Thailand", points out the doctor.

The question arise, if IVF also does not let couples in India predetermine the child's sex, then does curtailing their right to go for an IVF baby then make any difference? "Policies such as that of Haryana, which obligates couples who have children of the gender that they do not want, such as daughters, to apply to have IVF, are supposed to negate this trend among sex selection," explains Dr Bajaj.

While it’s understandable why such regulations have been introduced, this approach risks unfairly penalizing families and infringing on reproductive rights. "In India, laws prohibit sex selection in the context of IVF and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). However, many doctors report that requests for sex selection, primarily for male children, remain common in clinical practice," she says.

So, What Should The Approach Be Like?

"Instead of placing restrictions on patients, the focus should shift towards tighter regulation of fertility clinics and stronger legal action against violations," points out the doctor. She says that long-term solutions lie in gender sensitization and public education, which address the root of gender bias rather than simply punishing families for their reproductive choices.

Imposing limitations based on the number of children or enforcing bans without broader reform can be counterproductive. "Such actions may breed fear and stigma, without actually changing the societal mindset. Real progress requires a balance—upholding ethical medical practices while respecting reproductive autonomy," she says.

The views expressed in this article are those of the doctor and do not necessarily reflect the views of Health and Me.

Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg released during ovulation. The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and attaches to the lining of the uterus, where it begins to grow. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period, making the days just before and during ovulation the most fertile window.

Experts suggest that the best time to conceive is during this fertile window, often spanning five to six days in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Factors such as age, lifestyle, medical history, and reproductive health play an important role in conception.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, ongoing medical care and regular monitoring are essential to ensure both maternal and fetal health. However, several complications may arise during pregnancy, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Below are three common pregnancy-related complications and what to know about them.

Gestational Diabetes: Temporary but Significant Condition

What it is:

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy. It is typically diagnosed between the 24th and 28th week of gestation and results from hormonal changes that impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.

Risks:

If left unmanaged, gestational diabetes can lead to several complications. These include high blood pressure during pregnancy, delivering a larger-than-average baby (macrosomia), and an increased likelihood of cesarean delivery. The baby may also face short-term issues like low blood sugar after birth and long-term risks such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms:

Often asymptomatic, but some individuals may notice increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or nausea.

Management:

Management typically includes dietary changes, moderate physical activity, and frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels. In certain cases, insulin therapy may be required to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Timely diagnosis and control are critical to preventing complications.

Preeclampsia: A Serious Hypertensive Disorder

What it is:

Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ dysfunction, most commonly affecting the liver and kidneys. It generally occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy but can also emerge in the postpartum period.

Risks:

If not treated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a condition marked by seizures. It also increases the risk of stroke, organ damage, placental abruption, and can result in preterm birth or restricted fetal growth.

Symptoms:

Signs include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, persistent headaches, visual disturbances, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and swelling—especially in the face and hands.

Management:

Treatment depends on the severity and the stage of pregnancy. For mild cases, blood pressure monitoring and medication may be sufficient. In more severe scenarios, early delivery may be necessary to protect the health of both mother and baby. Regular prenatal care is key for early detection.

Placenta Previa: A Structural Concern in Pregnancy

What it is:

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix, which can obstruct the baby’s exit path during labor.

Risks:

This condition can lead to severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, potentially endangering both maternal and fetal health. It also increases the chances of preterm delivery and often requires a cesarean section.

Symptoms:

The primary symptom is painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. Some individuals may also experience mild cramps or contractions.

Management:

Management strategies depend on the extent of placental coverage and gestational age. These may include pelvic rest, reduced physical activity, hospitalization, or planned early delivery via cesarean section.

Importance of Early Monitoring

Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can significantly reduce the risks associated with these complications. Routine prenatal checkups, diagnostic tests, and being alert to changes in the body help ensure timely management and improve outcomes for both the pregnant individual and the baby.

Being a parent can be an overwhelming task, kids running amok, household chores that take hours and ensuring the safety of everyone on the home. Combining all of these and trying to do everything at once is a herculean task, too much for a person to handle. Often in these times parents are looking for easier ways to take care of everything, starting with the child. It may seem easier to hand off your smartphone to ensure your child does not run around and stays entertained for a long time, but you could be making a big mistake that will eventually cause your child harm.

A new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities found that kids who received a smartphone before age 13 generally had worse mental health and overall well-being as young adults.

Early Smartphones Linked to Poorer Mental Health

Specifically, people aged 18 to 24 who got their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were more likely to experience:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Aggression
• Feeling detached from reality
• Difficulty managing emotions
• Low self-worth

Social Media's Harmful Influence

Researchers believe that getting early access to the often-toxic world of social media explains a big part of why young smartphone users had poorer mental health. When kids are very young, their minds are still developing, making them more easily affected by negative online environments. They might not have enough real-world experience to deal with what they see or experience online. Other things that contribute to these problems include cyberbullying, disrupted sleep (because they're on their phones late), and difficulties in family relationships.

"Mind Health Quotient" Scores of 100,000 Young Adults

The study looked at data from over 100,000 young adults globally as part of the Global Mind Project. Participants completed a questionnaire to measure their Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), which assesses overall well-being.

The results showed that young adults who got their first smartphone before their teenage years had lower MHQ scores. In general, the younger a person received their first smartphone, the worse their mental health and well-being were later on.

For example, about 48% of girls who got a smartphone at age 5 or 6 reported suicidal thoughts, compared to 28% of those who got one at 13. Girls with early smartphone access also tended to have lower self-image, self-worth, confidence, and emotional resilience. Boys, on the other hand, were more likely to show lower stability, self-worth, and empathy.

Contributing Factors

The study dug deeper to find out why this link exists. They found that early access to social media explained about 40% of the connection between getting a smartphone young and having worse mental health as a young adult. Researchers suggest that the way social media apps work, especially with their AI-driven recommendations, can push harmful content and make children compare their lives to seemingly perfect influencers, which can be very damaging.

Other factors also played a role: poor family relationships accounted for 13% of the link, disrupted sleep for 12%, and cyberbullying for 10%.

Calls for Action

Based on these findings, researchers are urging leaders to take a "precautionary approach," similar to how alcohol and tobacco are regulated. They recommend:

• Restricting smartphone access for children under 13.
• Making digital literacy education mandatory.
• Holding companies accountable for the effects of their platforms.

Some countries like France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand have already banned or limited cell phone use in schools. In the U.S., several states have also passed laws to limit or ban smartphones in schools.

While the study cannot directly prove that early smartphone access causes poorer mental health, researchers emphasize that the evidence is strong enough to warrant taking preventative action now. They point out that smartphones are not the only cause of declining mental health in young adults, but they play a significant role.