We know it: during pregnancy, the health of the mother is paramount to ensure a good development of the fetus! However, according to a recent study from the University of Copenhagen (in Denmark), “severe infections” during pregnancy could promote the onset of psychiatric disorders in the unborn child. .
What exactly is a “severe infection”? If the Danish researchers do not give concrete examples, they point out that these infections are at the origin of “serious” immune defense reactions. These are characterized in particular by a strong fever: we can think of the flu, meningitis or even listeriosis.
Pregnant, a fever should never be ignored!
To reach this (worrying) conclusion, the scientists willfully induce a “severe” viral infection in female mice who are 9.5 days old, which (overall) corresponds to the first trimester of pregnancy in a pregnant woman.
Result? The researchers observed that, in mice, the “serious” immune response (responsible for defending the organism against viral aggression) could alter the development of brain cells. fetal headaches, leading to the development of psychiatric disorders as the baby grows. Conclusions which, according to experts, could be transposed to humans – schizophrenia, bipolar disorders …
How to protect yourself against “severe infections” during pregnancy? First, follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations: no raw meat, no shellfish, no unpasteurized cheeses … Deuzio, wash your hands thoroughly after meals or after activity s messy (gardening, cleaning …). Also make sure you are up to date with your vaccines and contact your doctor / gynecologist as soon as you have a fever!
This work has been published in the specialist journal Molecular Psychiatry.
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