Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Maternal depression is linked to preterm birth and slower prenatal growth rates.
Reason R: Mothers who are depressed have decreased cortisol levels.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

Think of cortisol as the primary "stress hormone." Chronic stress and depression keep the HPA axis active, leading to elevated cortisol levels which negatively impact fetal health.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to analyze the relationship between maternal prenatal depression, its biological stress markers (cortisol), and its developmental outcomes on the fetus.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Assertion A states that maternal depression during pregnancy is linked to preterm birth and slower prenatal growth rates. This is a true, well-documented clinical finding.

• Depressed and highly anxious mothers often experience chronic physiological stress, which compromises placental blood flow and restricts fetal oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to slower growth and premature labor.

• Reason R states that depressed mothers have decreased cortisol levels. This statement is biologically incorrect.

• Depression and chronic stress typically trigger a hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to *increased* or dysregulated levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.

• These elevated maternal cortisol levels can pass through the placenta, disrupt fetal brain development, restrict fetal weight gain, and induce early labor.

• Therefore, the adverse developmental outcomes in Assertion A are driven by *elevated* cortisol levels, making Reason R scientifically false.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Assertion A is correct, but Reason R is incorrect because depression is associated with elevated or dysregulated cortisol, not decreased cortisol.