Prenatal maternal psychological distress is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in toddlers with congenital heart disease

The impact of maternal psychological distress on the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD) is unknown. This study examines the association between prenatal maternal distress and 18-month neurodevelopmental outcomes in toddlers with CHD. Increased prenatal maternal psychological distress is associated with impaired motor and social-emotional development in toddlers with CHD, as well as persistently elevated parenting stress. Associations between elevated prenatal maternal psychological distress and adverse motor and externalizing outcomes were stronger in toddlers with single-ventricle versus two-ventricle CHD. Identifying early risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment in CHD toddlers is critical for developing early interventions that reduce maternal distress and improve long-term outcomes.