Leanne Metcalf, Director of Research at Asthma UK, says: 'There is now a broad spectrum of evidence which suggests that the pre-natal environment, including factors such as maternal stress and family history, can influence whether or not a child will go on to develop asthma symptoms.

This study is important as it suggests that a newborn with a family history of asthma or allergy will respond more strongly to asthma triggers if their mothers have higher stress levels during pregnancy.

Every 19 minutes a child is admitted to hospital in the UK as a result of their asthma but with the causes still predominantly unknown, studies like this are vital, as they provide an insight into the factors influencing asthma development and therefore how it might be prevented.'

Source
Asthma UK