Pregnancy stress ‘increases risk of personality disorder’

The children of women who experience severe stress when pregnant are nearly 10 times more likely to develop a personality disorder by the age of 30, BBC News reports, citing a study.

Even moderate prolonged stress may have an impact on child development and continue after a baby's birth, according to the finding.

More than 3,600 pregnant women in Finland were asked about their stress levels, and their children followed up.

Psychiatrists say mums-to-be must have access to mental health support.

Other important factors, such as how children are brought up, the family's financial situation and trauma experienced during childhood, are known to contribute to the development of personality disorders and could have played a role.