In a revealing Genomic Press Interview published in Brain Medicine on October 29, 2024, Professor Vicki Clifton shares transformative discoveries about the placenta’s unexpected influence on maternal mental health, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of pregnancy-related anxiety and depression.
Professor Clifton’s team at the Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland has identified 13 distinct glucocorticoid receptor isoforms in the placenta, with one particular variant showing a surprising response to maternal stress.
This groundbreaking finding challenges conventional understanding of stress responses during pregnancy. While most glucocorticoid receptors typically suppress inflammation, this newly identified variant appears to enhance it, potentially explaining the complex relationship between stress and inflammation in pregnant women.
Professor Vicki Clifton has unveiled groundbreaking insights into the role of the placenta in shaping maternal mental health during and after pregnancy. Her research highlights how the placenta, often regarded merely as a biological connection between mother and baby, significantly influences hormonal changes that can impact a mother’s mental state. Variations in placental function are linked to heightened risks of conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety.
By examining the biological mechanisms at play, Professor Clifton’s work underscores the importance of early detection and management of mental health symptoms in expectant mothers. The findings also point to potential interventions that could support maternal mental well-being by addressing placental health during pregnancy. This research not only sheds light on the intricate relationship between physical and mental health but also emphasizes the need for comprehensive care during and after childbirth.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or addiction, rehabnear.me offers compassionate support and professional care tailored to individual needs. Take the first step toward healing by calling 855–339-1112 today. You are not alone, and help is just a phone call away. Recovery and a brighter future are within reach.
Professor Vicki Clifton Shares Discoveries About Placenta’s Influence on Maternal Mental Health https://t.co/lxXopf6wg3 #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) January 2, 2025