A–Z Glossary

Cortisol

Cortisol is a normal hormone involved in metabolism, immune function, and fetal development, and its presence does not automatically indicate harm.

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Can emotions shape baby personality

Can emotions shape baby personality

Temperament is not the same as personality When people say a baby has a “personality,” they often mean an early pattern of behavior: easy to soothe, highly alert, shy, intense, calm, or curious. In developmental medicine, this is usually called temperament. Temperament refers to an infant’s typical level of emotional reactivity, self-soothing, attention, activity, and […]

Do thoughts influence pregnancy outcome

Do thoughts influence pregnancy outcome

What the question really means When people ask whether thoughts influence pregnancy outcome, they are often really asking whether fear, sadness, guilt, or hope can directly shape the fetus. The evidence does not support a mystical or instantaneous connection in which every thought is translated into fetal injury or protection. The fetus is not receiving […]

Can stress cause miscarriage myth

Can stress cause miscarriage myth

Why this myth is so painful The myth that stress causes miscarriage can turn grief into self-blame. After a loss, it is natural for the mind to look for a controllable explanation: “I was too anxious,” “I cried too much,” “I worked too hard,” or “I should have stayed calm.” But miscarriage is usually not […]