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Early-life stress is becoming an important determinant of immune system programming. Maternal prenatal distress is found to be associated with atopic disease in offspring but the separate effects of postnatal distress are not well-studied. ⋯ This population-based study provides evidence for sex-specific associations between maternal prenatal and postnatal distress, as well as the development of AD and asthma. The findings support recommendations for greater psychosocial support of mothers during pregnancy and early childhood to prevent childhood atopic disease.