From womb to words: the sex-specific interplay of fetal sex hormones and maternal mood on infant language development - Takeaways - MDSpire

From womb to words: the sex-specific interplay of fetal sex hormones and maternal mood on infant language development

  • By

  • Michaela Reimann-Ayiköz

  • Jasmin Preiß

  • Eva Reisenberger

  • Cristina Florea

  • Monika Angerer

  • Manuel Schabus

  • Dietmar Roehm

  • Gesa Schaadt

  • Claudia Männel

  • June 16, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Fetal DHEA levels may serve as a sensitive biomarker for language development, influencing brain organization during the third trimester.

  • 2

    Maternal mood significantly affects language development, with postpartum depression linked to reduced engagement and less infant-directed speech.

  • 3

    In boys, higher fetal DHEA levels correlate with lower language abilities, but this relationship is influenced by maternal mood.

  • 4

    For girls, maternal mood is the primary factor affecting language ability, with better mood associated with improved language outcomes.

  • 5

    The study highlights the interplay between fetal hormones and maternal emotional state in shaping early language development.

Original Source(s)

From womb to words: the sex-specific interplay of fetal sex hormones and maternal mood on infant language development

  • by Michaela Reimann-Ayiköz, Jasmin Preiß, Eva Reisenberger, Cristina Florea, Monika Angerer, Manuel Schabus, Dietmar Roehm, Gesa Schaadt, Claudia Männel

  • June 16, 2026

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