The stress of the pregnant woman can harm the baby due to changes in the woman's body, such as changes in appetite, sleep, increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system, which increases the chances of infections in the uterus, premature birth and birth of low birth weight infants.
These consequences can happen because the fetus is more exposed to the hormone cortisol and the inflammatory cytokines that are overproduced by the mother and cross the placenta.
Main consequences for the baby
The main consequences of maternal stress for the baby include:
- Increased risk of allergies because too much cortisol causes the baby to produce more immunoglobulin E, a substance linked to allergies, such as asthma, for example;
- Low birth weight due to decreased amount of blood and oxygen reaching the baby;
- Increased chances of preterm delivery due to faster maturation of the systems and increased maternal muscle tension;
- Increased insulin resistance and increased risk of obesity in adulthood due to exposure to inflammatory cytokines;
- Increased risk of heart disease due to imbalance of the adrenal sympathetic system;
- Brain disorders such as learning disability, hyperactivity, and increased risk of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia due to repeated cortisol exposure.
However, these changes are more frequent when the woman is stressed and becomes nervous frequently.
It is normal to have nervousness and anxiety during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, changes in the body and the need to prepare for the new phase of life with the baby, but it is important to control stress to keep the pregnancy healthy and decrease the risk of these consequences for the baby
Also understand why pregnant women become more sensitive.
Main causes of pregnancy stress
Increased nervousness and anxiety during pregnancy are common, but higher levels of stress usually occur as a result of problems at work, lack of money, or disagreements with the partner.
However, more serious factors such as rape, sexual abuse, loss of loved ones or natural disasters can cause an even more severe form of stress in the pregnant woman, called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In these cases, women have symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, frequent reminders of the event, guilt, and the desire to avoid people or places they once liked, and it is necessary to be accompanied by a psychologist. Learn how the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is made.
How To Get Rid Of Stress To Keep Calm
To reduce stress during pregnancy, it is important to adopt some strategies like:
- Talk to a trusted person and tell them the reason for the anxiety, asking for help in dealing with the problem;
- Rest to the fullest and focus on the baby, remembering that he can hear you and be your lifelong companion;
- Have a healthy diet, consuming enough fruits, vegetables and whole foods, and avoiding sweets and fats. See how the food should be here.
- Doing physical activity regularly, such as walking and water aerobics, as it helps to relieve stress and produce hormones that give the feeling of well being. To start exercising, see which are the 7 Best exercises to practice in pregnancy.
- Do activities you like, like watching comedy movies, taking relaxing baths and listening to music;
- Take soothing teas like chamomile tea and passion fruit juice, which can be consumed up to 3 times a day;
- Do complementary therapy, such as practicing yoga, meditation, relaxing massages or using aromatherapy to relax.
If stress symptoms do not improve or in case of depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, you should seek the doctor so that he can prescribe specific remedies when necessary. Anxiolytics and antidepressants may be indicated but should only be used under medical supervision.
