A medical expert based in Nigeria's capital has issued a stark warning about the severe and lasting consequences of violence against pregnant women. Dr Maryam Ahmed Almustapha has highlighted a direct link between physical abuse during pregnancy and an increased risk of intellectual disability in the unborn child.
The Biological Link Between Abuse and Disability
In an interview with The Guardian, Dr Almustapha detailed the complex biological pathway triggered by trauma. She explained that physical abuse is not just a momentary assault; it creates a cascade of stress and inflammation in the mother's body. This hostile internal environment can directly interfere with the critical process of foetal brain development.
The doctor pointed to a specific biomarker: cell-free DNA (cfDNA). "Cell-free DNA in maternal blood, which reflects the foetal genome, can be elevated due to maternal stress, inflammation, and cell death," Dr Almustapha stated. This rise in cfDNA is more than just a sign of distress; it acts as a key mechanism that can disrupt the pregnancy.
How Maternal Trauma Harms the Foetal Brain
The elevated cfDNA sets off a chain reaction with devastating potential for the developing baby. "This can result in placental dysfunction, immune system activation, and epigenetic reprogramming," she elaborated. Essentially, the vital connection between mother and child—the placenta—can malfunction, and the baby's own biological programming can be altered.
These disruptions ultimately converge on the foetal nervous system. "Maternal stress can increase cfDNA, which may act as a bridge between maternal mental health and foetal brain development," Dr Almustapha emphasised. This makes cfDNA a crucial indicator, or biomarker, for understanding how a mother's psychological and physical well-being shapes her child's future cognitive abilities.
An Urgent Call for Protection and Support
The findings underscore a critical public health imperative. Dr Almustapha's remarks, made on 8 January 2026, stress the urgent need to shield expectant mothers from violence and provide robust mental health care. Ensuring the well-being of pregnant women is no longer just about protecting one individual; it is fundamentally about safeguarding the neurological health of the next generation.
This warning aligns with global concerns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) consistently reports that violence against women is a major public health issue worldwide, noting that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to its effects. The call from Abuja is clear: comprehensive support systems are not a luxury but a necessity for healthy societal development.
