UCLA researchers have found that "eldest daughter syndrome" may be related to a mother's depression, stress, and anxiety during pregnancy, leading to first-born daughters taking on more responsibilities and maturing earlier to help care for their siblings. A 15-year longitudinal study of 253 mother-child pairs revealed a correlation between high levels of prenatal stress and early signs of adrenal puberty in first-born daughters. The study emphasizes the lifelong impacts of prenatal emotional and environmental factors on women and their offspring, highlighting the need for greater access to healthcare and well-being for pregnant mothers.
A new study suggests that "eldest daughter syndrome" may have scientific backing, as first-born daughters tend to mature earlier in response to their mothers' prenatal stress, enabling them to help rear younger siblings. The study found a correlation between early signs of adrenal puberty in first-born daughters and high levels of prenatal stress in mothers, indicating a potential evolutionary adaptation for daughters to become "helpers-at-the-nest" in difficult environments. This research adds to the growing understanding of fetal programming, exploring how maternal stress during pregnancy affects children long after birth.
A new study suggests that "eldest daughter syndrome" may have scientific backing, as first-born daughters tend to mature earlier, potentially due to their mothers experiencing high levels of prenatal stress. This early maturation may enable them to help rear younger siblings. The study tracked families for 15 years and found a correlation between prenatal stress and early signs of adrenal puberty in first-born daughters. The findings contribute to the understanding of fetal programming and shed light on the long-term effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on children's development.
