Experiences of Discrimination During Pregnancy Predict Altered Neonatal Hair Cortisol at Birth

Authors

Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez, Marquette UniversityFollow
LillyBelle K. Deer, University of Denver
Özlü Aran, University of Denver
Kenia M. Rivera, University of Denver
Melissa Nevarez-Brewster, University of Denver
Jenalee R. Doom, University of Denver
Benjamin L. Hankin, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
M. Camille Hoffman, University of Colorado - Anschutz
Elysia Poggi Davis, University of Denver

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2025

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Source ISSN

0306-4530

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2025.107482

Abstract

Objective

Prenatal glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol) are a widely proposed prenatal programming mechanism, yet few studies directly measure fetal cortisol. Neonatal hair provides a non-invasive method to assess fetal cortisol. The current studies test the association between maternal exposure to discrimination and fetal cortisol, as measured in neonatal hair, in two cohorts.

Methods

Study 1: Pregnant individuals (N = 65) and their neonates (61.8 % female) participated in study 1 between 2017 and 2021. Participants self-identified as Asian (6.2 %), Black (21.5 %), Latinx (35.4 %), Multiracial or Multiethnic (35.4 %), and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (1.5 %). Experiences of discrimination were measured using the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Neonatal hair samples were collected close to birth (Median_days=1.30, IQR_days=0.96–2.03).

Results

Study 1: Higher experiences of everyday discrimination among pregnant individuals were associated with lower hair cortisol levels in neonates (r = -.28, p = .031).

Methods

Study 2: Pregnant individuals of Mexican descent (N = 73) and their neonates (50.7 % female) participated in study 2 between 2017 and 2020. Participants reported on their exposure to experiences of discrimination using the Discrimination Stress Scale, and neonatal hair samples were collected shortly after birth (Median_days=13.0, IQR_days=11–18).

Results

Study 2: Those who had higher discrimination stress during pregnancy had neonates with higher cortisol than those with low discrimination (F(1,70)= 3.78, p = .03), but this relation did not remain significant after controlling for gestational age.

Conclusion

Across two cohorts, higher experiences of discrimination were associated with alterations in neonatal hair cortisol. Both higher and lower neonatal hair cortisol are linked to poorer neonatal development, indicating that experiences of discrimination might be a potential source of health disparities in the next generation.

Comments

Psychoneuroendocrinology, Vol. 178 (August, 2025). DOI.

Recommended Citation

D'Anna-Hernandez, Kimberly; Deer, LillyBelle K.; Aran, Özlü; Rivera, Kenia M.; Nevarez-Brewster, Melissa; Doom, Jenalee R.; Hankin, Benjamin L.; Hoffman, M. Camille; and Davis, Elysia Poggi, "Experiences of Discrimination During Pregnancy Predict Altered Neonatal Hair Cortisol at Birth" (2025). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 638.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/638