All experts agree that stress and pregnancy are two words that should never go hand in hand but ultimately do. The effects that an overwhelming amount of stress has on pregnancy are all negative.
However, it is not so easy as to simply advise a pregnant woman to just avoid stress or to simply cut it out. Researching the effects of stress on pregnancy and tips on how to reduce it is a valuable use of time.
Effects of Stress on the Pregnancy
Compromised Immune System and Metabolism
One might not think of a baby’s immune system being compromised as a byproduct of stress during mom’s pregnancy; however, research shows that due to altered microbes, especially during the first trimester, both the baby’s metabolism and immune system may end up suffering after birth.
Altered Brain Development
It stands to assume that if certain microbes can be affected by an undue amount of stress during gestation, then that may hold for all microbes to be altered.
This thought process is leading doctors to further research into how the baby’s brain develops in utero while the mother is highly stressed. Research is still being conducted, but findings so far suggest that certain neurological impairments such as autism and some behavior issues may be connected to stress during the pregnancy.
Poor Relationships
There is much research to suggest that not finding appropriate ways to handle stress while pregnant may lead to an inability to reduce stress once the baby arrives. Raising a child carries with it many different stressors, so the pressure does not end once the child enters the world.
Without the ability to manage stress while pregnant may lead to physiological and psychological alterations with the child, making the mother even more stressed. This can harm the mother/child relationship as the child continues to grow.
Healthy Tips to Reduce Prenatal Stress
Build a Support System
While some of the people in your life may be exacerbating your stress during pregnancy, you likely have people who can help you manage stress.
Try and minimize associations with those people you find stress levels rise around. Conversely, spend more time with those who you can sigh a breath of relief with. These people want to listen to you, support you, and be there for you.
Relying on those closest to you to hear you when you just need an ear or advise you when you are unsure what to do will help alleviate your stress. Your support system can provide something often difficult to find on your own: perspective.
Try a Healthier Lifestyle
Exercise raises endorphins that battle negative feelings for everyone. The positive feelings produced may become even more important during a particularly stressful pregnancy.
Consult with your doctor on coordinating a well-balanced and safe exercise program for you and baby. Your doctor can also point you in the right direction to determine a healthy diet for you to keep up energy levels and boost your mood.
Remember, It’s Only Temporary
Pregnancy itself is often one of the biggest stressors during it. Being uncomfortable, fear of labor and delivery, and so many questions about what happens after the baby comes is all stress-inducing.
An important thing to remember when you can feel your anxiety rise due to one of these valid points is that the pregnancy will not last forever. Your discomfort won’t last but a few months and labor and delivery will be even shorter.
Talking with your healthcare providers and your family and friends about your fears and concerns will help put it all out there, releasing it from your body and mind.
Every soon to be mother, whether this child is your first or fifth, has concerns about what kind of mother they are going to be for this child. Your worries are valid and understood – but will continue to be alleviated as you are living in the moments of your motherhood.
If you are in a toxic situation – whether it be with work or home and family – taking steps to secure the safety and wellbeing of you and your child must become a priority, even if that means leaving it.
Recognizing that you are doing your best, no matter what that is, is important in keeping your stress levels to a minimum during pregnancy.
Solyndria Creative 