Abstract
Converging evidence from clinical and preclinical studies suggest fetal vulnerability
to adverse prenatal exposures increase the risk for neuropsychiatric diseases such
as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. Recent advances in fetal
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have allowed us to characterize typical fetal brain
growth trajectories in vivo as well as to interrogate structural and functional alterations associated with intrauterine
exposures such as maternal stress, environmental toxins, drugs, and obesity. Here,
we review proposed mechanisms how prenatal influences disrupt neurodevelopment, including
the role played by maternal and fetal inflammatory responses. We summarize insights
from MRI research in fetuses, highlight recent discoveries in normative fetal development
using quantitative MRI techniques (i.e., three-dimensional volumetry, proton magnetic
resonance spectroscopy, placental diffusion imaging, and functional imaging), and
discuss how baseline trajectories are shaped by prenatal exposures.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
November 9,
2021
Received in revised form:
October 26,
2021
Received:
July 6,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc on behalf of Society of Biological Psychiatry.
