Abstract:
The first months of life are essential for a child's development. The mother's mental health, from pregnancy
through the postpartum period, shapes attachment and neuropsychological growth. Untreated mood
disorders may affect the mother-child bond and impact emotional and cognitive development. This paper
explores the connection between maternal mental health and child development, emphasizing the need for
universal screening and early interventions during the perinatal period. A narrative review of scientific
literature published between 2007 and 2024 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and
Scopus. A total of 87 clinical studies, meta-analyses, and relevant review articles investigating the impact of
maternal mental health on child cognition and emotional development were included. Studies show that
mothers with depression (prevalence between 14 and 23%) or severe anxiety have a significantly higher risk of
developing insecure attachment with their child, which negatively affects emotional regulation, attention,
language, and behavior. Untreated affective disorders can have serious long-term negative consequences on
the child's cognitive and emotional development. Early interventions, such as psychological counseling, social
support, and psychoeducation programs, can reduce these risks by up to 40%, significantly improving the
mother-child bond and the child’s overall emotional and cognitive development. Maternal mental health is
essential for the child’s emotional and cognitive development. Screening and early interventions during the
perinatal period are vital to prevent disorders and support a healthy mother-child relationship, ensuring
balanced and optimal development.
