Stress In Pregnancy And Consequences For The Baby

During pregnancy, what you eat, how much you sleep and what kind of physical exercise you do is extremely important… But what role do emotions play instead? There is a close relationship between the emotional state of the mother and uterine life. Therefore, stress in pregnancy can actually hinder the developmental development of the baby.

When under stress, the levels of 6 different hormones can be altered: cortisol, glucagon, prolactin, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. These imbalances affect both the pregnant woman and the fetus. When a mother experiences severe psychological stress during gestation, the risks associated with pregnancy also increase.

Stress in pregnancy and difficulties for the newborn

The main manifestations of stress are reflected on different levels: physiological, physical and even social. Sleep disturbances, loss or excess of appetite accompanied by the appearance of frequent headaches, muscle tension, short temper. In addition,  the immune system also weakens, increasing the chances of infection.

Prematurity and low birth weight

Stress increases both the risk of preterm birth, thus increasing the chances of the baby being born prematurely (i.e. before 37 weeks of gestation), and of low birth weight (less than 2.5 kilos).

These two factors expose you to the risk of further problems in childhood. For example, frequent illnesses, growth problems, distraction, hyperactivity and impaired motor coordination.

Respiratory diseases and physical problems

According to several studies, stress during pregnancy can cause asthma and skin diseases to the baby. Among these, atopic eczema in the first 8 months of life.

As for the physical alterations that can affect the newborn, we remember the pyloric stenosis. This is the narrowing of the pylorus, located in the lower part of the stomach and connected to the small intestine. This disease requires immediate surgical intervention.

Circulatory activity

We have already mentioned the hormones that most affect the body in a particularly stressful situation. These, after entering the bloodstream, reach the placenta – which is the vital connection of the baby with the mother during pregnancy – significantly increasing its heart rate.

The fewer anxious and stressful events a woman faces during pregnancy, the better it will be for the fetus. This will avoid an excessive hormonal “bombardment” on the child.

Learning and intellect

One of the hormones in particular, cortisol, which works in adults to restore homeostasis, can cause serious developmental problems in the child. It has been shown that the higher the level of this hormone in the amniotic fluid, the likelihood of developing a low IQ is equivalent.

Although it is not a disease, having a lower than average IQ can affect a child’s daily life. In addition to learning difficulties, the risk of suffering from attention deficit or hyperactivity increases. In addition to this, it may encounter problems in solving strategic and planned problems or inhibit spontaneous tendencies.

Prudence, without alarmism

Sudden mood swings or prolonged anxiety are not trivialities. Our body warns us when we have built up too much tension. Sleeping badly, being too worried, or being overburdened with work, study, or housework. Imagine adding to all of these stressful events the fact that a human being is growing within you. It is impossible not to be affected by these mood swings!

However, it is important to point out that unforeseen events that can occur unexpectedly are never dangerous. For example, if a pregnant woman is frightened by the sudden barking of a dog, the danger to the fetus can be absolutely ruled out.

It is stress – generated by situations that are relevant to us because they involve some kind of threat, loss or damage – which, if prolonged over time, can generate this type of alteration in the child. Also, keep in mind that emotional reactions are not the same for all women. Stress, therefore, will not affect everyone equally.

Make sure you get the right rest and don’t be too demanding of yourself. Face situations calmly, eat healthy and exercise, always under medical supervision. All of these measures are great resources for preventing stress in pregnancy.