Neonates of mothers with high anxiety levels during pregnancy have decreased motor maturity and vagal tone when compared to those of non-anxious mothers. They cry more, change more frequently from one behavioral state to another, they are perceived by their mothers as having a more difficult temperament, and they also have more gastro-intestinal problems and delayed growth (76, 77, 78, 79). Several other authors have observed that high maternal anxiety during pregnancy may also predict and have long term effects on behaviour and emotions (., inattention, and hyperactivity in children aged 4 years) (80). In addition, mothers with high.
