Multi-Generational Transmission of Maternal Stress in Pregnancy: Evidence from the 1980 Kwangju Uprising in South Korea

There is growing evidence that maternal psychological stress during pregnancy, negatively affects a wide variety of offspring outcomes. Animal studies suggest that negative influences of maternal stress during pregnancy persist across multiple generations, but there is little direct evidence confirming that it is present among human populations. This study draws evidence on the intergenerational influences of maternal stress from the Kwangju uprising (May 18-27), arguably the bloodiest incidence that has occurred in South Korea since the end of the Korean War in 1953. The micro files of the 2000 and 2002 Vital Statistics of South Korea are utilized for the study. The results of difference-in-difference estimations suggest that in-utero exposure to the Kwangju uprising significantly diminished the offspring birth weight and length of gestation. The impact of exposure to maternal stress differs by stage of pregnancy when the shock is received. Exposure to stress during the second trimester of pregnancy exerted the strongest negative effect on grandchildren’s birth weights. As for the length of gestation, the second and third trimesters were equally critical.