Did you know trauma shapes your baby in utero?

 

How 9/11 Trauma Showed Up in Babies:

 

When researchers followed 187 pregnant women who lived near the Twin Towers on 9/11, they discovered something shocking:

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Their babies were born smaller — and showed biological signs of PTSD.

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Here’s what the team found:

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• Many mothers developed PTSD after the attacks
• Their cortisol levels dropped unusually low
• Their 9‑month‑old babies had the same low cortisol pattern
• Low cortisol can be a marker of PTSD

This was one of the first real‑world demonstrations of epigenetics  — how trauma alters gene expression in the womb.

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Epigenetics  helps explain why trauma can echo across generations… but also, why healing can, too.

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⚡ The same research team studied Holocaust survivors and found similar patterns — and even signs that children may develop incredible resilience to adversity.

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📘 Read the Holocaust findings here.

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Trauma leaves a mark.
But so does resilience.

 

 

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Happy Gut, Happy Life

 

Up to 90% of your serotonin and over half of your dopamine — your “happy hormones” — are produced in your gut lining.

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So, when your gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or stressed, your mood feels it.

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Here’s the breakdown:

• Serotonin regulates mood, behavior, and the gut‑brain axis
• Low serotonin is strongly linked to depression

• Dopamine drives motivation, reward, and goal‑seeking
• When your gut is off, both systems get disrupted

This is why gut issues don’t just cause bloating — they can trigger anxiety, low mood, irritability, and emotional instability.

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Your gut isn’t just a digestion center.

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It’s a hormone factory. And your brain depends on it

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​⚡ If you want to dive deeper, check out:

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🔗 Neurohacker Collective’s findings on the gut-brain connection

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📘 This Is Your Brain on Food by Dr. Uma Naidoo — a powerful guide to foods that support mood, focus, and emotional health

Actionable Tips:

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*REMINDER:  Any information shared by The Optimal Female is not professional advice, always consult a licensed physician before making any changes*