Mum’s stress in pregnancy can lead to an uncoordinated child

This study found a clear correlation between mothers’ stress levels in late pregnancy and how well coordinated their children were at ages 10, 14 and 17. Mothers who had to deal with three or more stressful experiences had the least coordinated children. The study used data from nearly 3,000 children and results would be seen in how well the children could write, throw and run.

The tests they used included standing on one leg, hand strength, turning a nut and bolt, threading beads onto a rod and walking along a straight line. Coordination is related to the level of sensory integration a child has achieved and significant difficulties are associated with developmental disorders such as dyspraxia.

http://www.nd.edu.au/news/media-releases/2015/131