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Stress In Pregnancy Effects On Baby- The Reality

Congratulations Mommy, you’re pregnant! And it is one of the most beautiful phases; the wait for a new life. But, this beautiful phase is also the most fragile. When you have another life depending on you for its very existence, you are bound to feel stress. It is common to be stressed during your pregnancy. You are entitled to feel panic, frustration, and even depression at times. But too much of anything can be bad, and that is true for pregnancy stress too!

Are you worried that your stressful life may harm your unborn baby? You are not alone! Most women will walk that extra mile to keep their little ones safe from negativity. So, let us here at Momjunction lend you a hand. Here’s everything you need to know about stress during pregnancy, effects on baby, and how to deal with stress in pregnancy effects on baby.

How Does Stress Affect The Unborn Baby?

Can stress in pregnancy harm the baby? Well, when you encounter a stressful situation, your body goes into fight or flight mode. Such modes lead to a surge of the coritsol hormone, along with other stress hormones. In normal situations, these hormones cause no harm and subside once the stress reduces. But if stress persists, these hormones can wreck havoc with your system, and impact your baby too.

Here’s how:

1. Preterm Birth:

Stress during pregnancy can cause preterm birth in many cases.

2. Low Birth Weight:

Another effect of stress during pregnancy is low birth weight. Expecting mothers who lack the required coping mechanism may themselves suffer from low weight gain during pregnancy, which can also impact the weight of her unborn baby.

3. Sleep Disorders:

Studies show that women who suffer from chronic stress during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to babies with sleeping disorders.

4. Behavioral Issues:

Babies born to women who experience excessive stress during pregnancy may also suffer from behavioral issues.

5. Brain Development:

Stress during pregnancy can also alter the brain chemistry of the unborn baby and lead to complications later in life.

How To Deal With Stress During Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, the daily stresses of life do not vanish miraculously! A stressful job, commuting to your office in peak traffic, marital problems – there are innumerable reasons to feel stressed. Add some pregnancy hormones to the already heady cocktail and you are fast approaching detonation!

Fortunately, you can deal with stress during pregnancy and keep it at a minimum.

Here are some easy tips to help you out:

1. Eat Well And On Time:

Stress can take a toll on how you eat. But if you do so, you’ll just get caught up in the vicious cycle of stress. Bad eating habits like eating junk food and irregular eating patterns can cause further stress. So try to stick to a schedule. And eat a healthy, balanced diet.

2. Exercise Regularly:

Working out can be a great stress buster. So do exercise regularly if you want to have a healthy pregnancy. Go for pregnancy friendly exercises including walking, swimming, and yoga.

3. Meditate:

Meditation is a great way to stay stress-free during pregnancy. There are numerous meditation techniques that can help you out.

4. Take Up A Hobby:

It may be time to take up a hobby! A hobby is a great way to stay positive and beat stress.

5. Talk It Out:

If you have a problem, talk about it! Discussing your problems with friends or family can be of great help when it comes to preventing and beating stress.

6. Do What You Love:

Talking to friends, reading, watching good movies, listening to music – do whatever it takes to stay positive.

7. Don’t Worry:

Yes, worrying comes with the territory! But try and minimize the reasons for worry. That cluttered room, that incomplete to-do list, an argument with the stranger on the road – there are battles you must choose to fight. Don’t let every situation get the best of you.

8. Talk To A Professional:

If you think you cannot deal with the stress of your life, talk to your doctor. Talking to a professional will be the best thing you can do for you and your unborn baby.

Life is full of struggles. Nobody has it easy. Remember, anybody can be strong when life is happy and easy. People who can fight the good fight when the chips are down are the real heroes. So be your baby’s hero and smile through your pregnancy. Best of luck!

Did your stress in pregnancy affect baby adversely? How did you deal with stress in pregnancy effects on baby? Share your tips with us here.

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