Maternale veerkracht en sociale ongelijkheid tijdens de perinatale periode: invloed van onderliggende biologische mechanismen

Abstract

Maternal resilience and social inequality during the perinatal period: influence of underlying biological mechanisms and potential intervention strategies The first 1,000 days (from conception until the second year of life) represent a crucial stage of life. It is a sensitive period for the development and health of the child, as well as for the wellbeing of the mother. This timespan includes the perinatal period, namely the period from conception up until 1 year after birth. Scientific evidence demonstrates that socio-economic factors, such as social inequality, are related to health outcomes during the perinatal period. Psychosocial stressors as a consequence of the socio-economic background represent a potential source of inequalities in health. These associations between mental health during pregnancy, social inequalities and health outcomes can be explained by various underlying biological mechanisms. At the same time, improving psychological resilience during the first 1,000 days can have beneficial effects on these associations. By focusing on interventions aimed at improving mental resilience, the wellbeing and health of both parents and their offspring later in life can be improved.