biology research homework ( 2 hours)

Running Head: SEMINAR SUMMMARY 1

SEMINAR SUMMMARY 2

Seminar Summary

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Seminar Summary

Maternal depression on fetal brain development is one of the major challenges experienced in our day to day lives. There are various effects of maternal depression on fetal development which increase the risk for depression in children. However, according to Dr. Herod in her seminar, she described that the link is a complex combination of both genetic and the environmental factors. According to the seminar, it was elaborated that fetal programming a notion that takes place in the uterus may predispose a child to some illnesses in future. She further described that there existed less information associated with psychiatric illness and the fetal development. However, she mentioned that according to some researchers they suspect that high cortisol levels in a mother during pregnancy may alter the development of the fetal brain. According to her discussion, she mentioned those depressed mothers are likely to produce increased levels of chemicals during their pregnancy which lowers the growth of fetal with an increased risk for premature labor.

Being a developmental neuroendocrinologist, she explained the hormones and neurotransmitters affecting the development of brain which can be studied in prenatal and early adolescent development. She further explained that in the prenatal study, the mutant genetic line that produces low levels of serotonin is studied. As she concluded, she encouraged women to avoid all forms of stress and anxiety that may lead to depression during their pregnancy. Additionally, she mentioned that environment also facilitates depression and it is good to surround with people who encourage and engage in activities that do not expose one to depression to facilitate proper fetal brain development of their children.

The seminar was a success and particularly was impressed on how she explained to us on how stress and anxiety lead to depression later affecting the development of the brain in children. It was such an educative seminar especially for the mothers who were carrying their first pregnancy and those who were preparing to get pregnant soon. Further, I was encouraged and motivated to study developmental neuroendocrinology as my career and be able to pass knowledge to other people and especially mothers in my society.