Research Links Maternal Stress During Pregnancy to Childhood Eczema in Mice

Recent scientific research conducted on mice suggests that maternal stress during pregnancy may contribute to the development of eczema in offspring. The study, published in the journal Nature, provides the first biological evidence of how maternal psychological stress can influence the immune system of a developing fetus, potentially leading to skin inflammation and allergy symptoms in childhood.

Past epidemiological studies have observed an association between maternal stress and increased risk of childhood eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. However, this new research uncovers a biological mechanism behind this link. The scientists propose that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol during pregnancy can trigger overreactions in skin nerve cells and immune cells in the fetus, setting the stage for eczema.

In their experiments, pregnant mice were subjected to mild stressors, such as exposure to bright lights in confined spaces, which resulted in significant increases in cortisol in their blood and amniotic fluid. The offspring of these stressed mothers, when gently rubbed on eczema-prone skin areas, developed eczema-like symptoms shortly after birth. In contrast, pups from unstressed control mice did not develop these skin lesions.

Further genetic analysis revealed that immune cells called mast cells, which are pivotal in allergic responses, were pre-programmed to release histamine, leading to itchiness and swelling. Mice engineered to lack mast cells did not develop eczema despite maternal stress, emphasizing the role of these cells. Additionally, sensory neurons in the skin exhibited altered gene expression, heightening skin sensitivity and the urge to itch.

While results are promising, researchers caution that these findings are based on animal models, and more studies are needed to confirm if the same mechanisms apply to humans. Nonetheless, the research underscores the importance of managing stress during pregnancy, as it might help reduce the risk of eczema and other allergic diseases in children in the future. This study opens new avenues for preventive strategies and targeted therapies for pediatric eczema, emphasizing the impact of maternal health on child development.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-mice-reveals-link-maternal-stress.html