The body’s circadian rhythm regulates sleep and energy levels, among other functions, and disruptions can negatively affect health over time, writes News Wise.
New research shows that influences during pregnancy may already play a role.
The study, published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms and conducted by researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, indicates that fetuses are not as unaffected as previously believed.
Impact on the fetus
The researchers used mice in their experiments. This made it possible to measure activity in the fetuses’ biological clocks using a luminescent protein.
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In this way, they were able to track development while the fetuses were still in the womb.
The results showed that the fetuses began developing a day–night rhythm in the later stages of pregnancy.
At the same time, it became clear that signals from the mother play an important role. Hormones from the mother pass through the placenta and influence the fetus’s rhythm.
Implications for the future
The researchers also found that medication during pregnancy can alter this process. This may have implications for how treatments are planned in the future.
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In addition, they observed a link between a lack of circadian rhythm development and complications at birth. The rhythm may therefore be important for healthy development.
The body’s internal clock does not begin after birth but starts earlier, where it is regulated by the mother’s rhythm.
Sources: News Wise and Journal of Biological Rhythms.
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