Mothers' perceived physical health during early and middle childhood: Relations with child developmental delay and behavior problems

► Mothers of children with developmental delay (DD) have poorer mental health. ► We found that mothers of children with DD also have poorer physical health. ► Mothers whose children have typical development (TD) had better health. ► This difference in health was present when children were 3-9 years old. ► The higher behavior problems in children with DD may explain mothers' poorer health.