Wonkbook: Inequality might start before we're even born

Sponsored by Qualcomm | By Carolyn Y. Johnson Inequality has many roots, but a growing body of research suggests a startling, under-appreciated origin: what happened in the womb. The idea that prenatal events cast a long shadow over the rest of life is not new; doctors have long counseled pregnant women not to drink or smoke because of the negative health …   The latest economic and domestic policy from Wonkblog   (Washington Post illustration; iStock) By Carolyn Y. Johnson Inequality has many roots, but a growing body of research suggests a startling, under-appreciated origin: what happened in the womb. The idea that prenatal events cast a long shadow over the rest of life is not new; doctors have long counseled pregnant women not to drink or smoke because of the negative health consequences those behaviors can have on children. But in recent years, economists have become fascinated by the possible long-term health impacts of stressful events -- an exploration that began with a focus on famine in pregnancy, but grew to encompass the birth outcomes of being in utero during terrorist attacks, earthquakes, hurricanes and war. Now, researchers are turning to more commonplace experiences of pregnant mothers -- how the death of a relative, having a home team in the Super Bowl or fasting during Ramadan affects children at birth and beyond. The researchers hope that if they can untangle how mild stress during pregnancy affects the future health of children, it might give them a clue about how more general everyday stress -- such as losing a job or living in poverty -- affects future generations, too. Read the rest on Wonkblog.   Map of the day Typical two-bedroom apartments are not affordable throughout much of the country. Emily Badger and Christopher Ingraham have more.   Top policy tweets "Airbnb Inc. is in talks with more than 100 cities around the world about ways to collect taxes https://t.co/nZjTDycNnq" -- @squinton_states "RYAN: I'm gonna announce something MEDIA: Is it about Trump RYAN: Actually policy MEDIA: lolwut" -- @daveweigel "Meanwhile...today Clinton is expected to announce that she will have an infrastructure proposal within her first 100 days as prez, per aide" -- @ABCLiz ADVERTISEMENT   Most Recent Posts from Wonkblog How much a decent apartment costs you in every county Rental prices are out of reach for the typical renter in many parts of the country. By Emily Badger and Christopher Ingraham  •  Read more »   Hillary Clinton is pushing two of corporate America’s biggest ideas Why it's interesting that immigration and infrastructure top Hillary Clinton's economic agenda. By Jim Tankersley  •  Read more »   A GOP congressman says he used medical marijuana while in office It was "the first time in a year and a half that I had a decent night's sleep because the arthritis pain was gone." By Christopher Ingraham  •  Read more »   Study: Fewer black civilians are killed by police in cities with more black officers Walter Scott's killing in North Charleston last year seems to fit the pattern. By Max Ehrenfreund  •  Read more »   The shocking number of Americans who can’t cover a $400 expense And that's actually an improvement. By Ylan Q. Mui  •  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   Recommended for you   Federal Insider Federal news and policy update, in your inbox daily. Sign Up »         Share Wonkbook:       Twitter      Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you signed up for a Wonkblog newsletter. For additional free newsletters or to manage your newsletters, click here. We respect your privacy. If you believe that this email has been sent to you in error or you no longer wish to receive email from The Washington Post, click here. Contact us for help. ©2016 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071