Social and emotional development begins long before a child’s first day of school—it begins in the womb. Prenatal development and care influence the formation of brain structures responsible for emotion regulation, stress response, and social attachment.

Factors such as maternal nutrition, prenatal stress, and exposure to toxins can significantly impact a child’s emotional foundation. For example, chronic maternal stress during pregnancy increases cortisol levels, which may alter fetal brain development and affect emotional regulation and temperament in later childhood and adolescence (Center on the Developing Child, 2023).

Consistent prenatal care, balanced nutrition, and emotional support for expecting mothers can foster optimal brain and emotional development—creating the groundwork for healthy adolescent relationships and social behavior.