Dopamine receptor polymorphism modulates the relation between antenatal maternal anxiety and fetal movement

Abstract

We determined whether the combination of fetal genotype (dopamine D4 receptor; DRD4) and mothers' anxiety during pregnancy is associated with fetal behavior. Two hundred and six pregnant women underwent an ultrasound exam. Fetal movement measures (Movement Frequency, Total Activity, Movement Duration, and Longest Quiet Time) were derived from off-line coding. A moderating role of the DRD4-III polymorphism was found: Results indicate that higher levels of antenatal maternal anxiety symptoms were associated with more frequent fetal movements among fetuses carrying a 7R allele, but not among fetuses carrying shorter alleles. Total Activity did not show full moderation by DRD4, though the measure was correlated with maternal anxiety among fetuses in the Anxious Group with a 7R allele; not among fetuses without both factors. The findings provide the first evidence of a GXE interaction in association with fetal behavior. Results also demonstrate that some individuals are inherently more susceptible to uterine environmental influences than are others.

Effects of maternal anxiety and depression on fetal neuro-development

“…Maternal stress, anxiety and depression have been shown to directly affect fetal development, such as increasing arousal and influencing cortical processes (Kinsella & Monk, 2009). Specifically, maternal prenatal anxiety has been related to fetal movements (Kaitz, Mankuta, Rokem & Faraone, 2016) and to increased postnatal risk for neuro developmental disorders (Kinsella & Monk, 2009;Glover, 2011;2015;Sheridan, et al 2008Sheridan, et al , 2010. Some research indicates that both maternal anxiety and depression are co-morbid and one might influence the other.…”

Perinatal anxiety and depressive symptoms and perception of child behavior and temperament in early motherhood

“…Maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms can affect fetal development, 60 including in utero. 61 For example, prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms can significantly affect fetal reactivity. Higher levels of anxiety increase fetal eye-blink, while higher levels of depressive symptoms decrease fetal eye-blink.…”