# Treating pregnancy depression may boost baby brain development

> New research shows treating maternal depression during pregnancy can improve infant brain development.
- Title: Treating pregnancy depression may boost baby brain development
- Summary: New research shows treating maternal depression during pregnancy can improve infant brain development. Treating depression in pregnant women with MOMCare…
- Keywords: mommcare, pregnancy, depression, brain development, infant, maternal health, child health, science, ideas, Treating, may, boost
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/treating-depression-during-pregnancy-may-benefit-babys-brain-development-new-research-291260
- Author: Benjamin L. Hankin
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mommcare, pregnancy, depression, brain development, infant, maternal health, child health, science, ideas
## Depression affects 1 in 5 pregnant women
Depression affects 1 in 5 women during pregnancy, raising risks of complications and child mental health issues.
## MOMCare talk therapy for depression
MOMCare is a short course of talk therapy designed to treat prenatal depression and build social support.
## Study design and participants
234 pregnant women with depression symptoms were randomly assigned to MOMCare or mental health education and referrals.
## MOMCare improves pregnancy outcomes
Women receiving MOMCare were more likely to carry their baby to term, linked to better child health and development.
## Brain imaging shows differences
Infants whose mothers received MOMCare had a 5% smaller hippocampus volume at birth compared to the control group.
## Better emotional regulation in babies
Babies with smaller hippocampal volume at birth responded less negatively to unfamiliar experiences, indicating better emotional regulation.
## Key takeaway

Treating depression in pregnant women with MOMCare talk therapy leads to better emotional regulation in babies by birth.