Briefly reviews the relevant literature on human prenatal effects, describes some of the possible designs for such studies; and discusses some of the methodological problem areas: sample choice, measurement of prenatal variables, monitoring of labor and delivery, and neonatal assessment. (CS)

Examines research on infants who experience risks in the prenatal or perinatal period. Focuses on the evolution of the studies and the knowledge gained over the last three decades, contemporary research efforts and pertinent issues, and directions for future research. (RJC)

Examines evidence on the effects of perinatal and postnatal factors (e.g., anoxia and child abuse) on later development to determine if causality exists. The inadequacies of current developmental models are discussed. (BRT)

Examined associations between early childhood temperament and factors during mothers' pregnancy. Responses to maternal questionnaires of psychological distress during pregnancy and maternal observations of infants at 6 months and 5 years of age indicated a connection between first-trimester distress and negative emotionality in 5-year-old…

Temperament development was studied in 39 full-term small-for-gestational-age infants and 30 full-term appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. Temperament was measured at 4, 8, and 12 months of age using a behavioral assessment procedure and questionnaire ratings. Findings indicated that restricted fetal growth negatively affects infant…