The role of prematurity in the association of maternal nutrition and substance use during pregnancy with childhood mental health

Exposure to suboptimal nutrition (e.g., insufficient micro-nutrient intake) and substances (i.e., alcohol/tobacco) during pregnancy
has been linked to mental health problems in the child. However, the mechanisms of this association remain unclear. One
hypothesis is that exposure to suboptimal nutrition and substances may lead to premature birth (defined as <37 weeks of gestation), which can hamper brain development and, in turn, later mental health. This project will use data from a French cohort following mother-child pairs from pregnancy to child age 11 years to investigate this hypothesis. We will rely on detailed information on nutrient intake and substance use during pregnancy, prematurity, and child mental health outcomes in middle childhood. We will use mediation models to quantify to what extent prematurity explains the increased risk of metal health problems in children exposed to suboptimal nutrition and substances during pregnancy. Our findings will contribute to better understanding the early-life origins of mental health and inform policies focused on prevention of mental health problems starting early in life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Massimiliano Orri

Student:

Partner:

Université de Bordeaux

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

McGill University

Program: