7-year-old boys' IQ negatively affected by higher cortisol in pregnant mothers' third trimester, while urine cortisone levels improve girls' scores.

A study at the 26th European Congress of Endocrinology found that higher cortisol levels in a pregnant woman's third trimester may negatively affect IQ scores in 7-year-old boys, while not affecting girls. Higher urine cortisone levels, however, improved IQ scores for girls. The research involved 943 pregnant women and their children aged 7 and highlights the significant role cortisol plays in fetal development and cognitive function later in life.

May 10, 2024
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