Stress During Pregnancy: Impact on the Baby and How to Manage It

Stress is a state that benefits us in no phase of life and can negatively affect all aspects of our mental well-being. During pregnancy, stress not only impacts the expectant mother but also the baby. In fact, intense stress during pregnancy can have physical and developmental consequences for the child.

Before you start feeling guilty, it’s important to understand the effects of stress on the baby, when it becomes serious, and how to recognize it.

The Effects of Stress on the Baby

Stress (or psychological issues in the mother) can affect the fetus, according to experts. Some indicative effects include:

• Developmental issues for the fetus.
• Low birth weight, especially in cases of premature delivery caused by the mother’s increased blood pressure.
• High cortisol levels in the mother’s bloodstream can have long-term effects on the baby’s psychological makeup.
• The baby may be more prone to persistent crying, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
• “Toxic” levels of stress can lead to social, emotional, and behavioral problems for the child (e.g., neurobehavioral deficits, such as poor motor coordination, heightened emotional reactivity, and speech delays).

Not All Stress Levels Are the Same During Pregnancy

According to psychotherapist and writer Ashley Abramson, “What concerns doctors is the duration of stress experienced by a pregnant woman.” Short-term stress or anxiety lasting a few days or even a week is unlikely to have a significant impact on the baby. The intensity of the mother’s stress also plays a crucial role.

How to Recognize if You Are Stressed

Dr. Hobel provides some guiding questions for expectant mothers to evaluate their stress levels. Answer with “Yes,” “Sometimes,” or “No.”

If you answer “Sometimes” or “Yes” to more than three questions, you may be experiencing stress and should seek support from your partner, gynecologist, or a specialist.

Take your time to answer the following questions:

• Do I feel tense?
• Do I feel irritable?
• Do I feel anxious?
• Do I feel scared?
• Do I struggle with problem-solving?
• Do I feel like things are not going well?
• Do I feel like I can’t control situations in my life?
• Am I worried that my baby won’t be born healthy?
• Am I concerned about losing my baby?
• Am I worried about having a difficult delivery?
• Am I worried about managing my finances?
• Am I living separately from my partner?
• Do I have too many household tasks?
• Do I face problems at work?
• Do I have issues with my partner?
• Have I been threatened with physical harm?

Seek Professional Guidance

The above text is not a medical opinion from a specialist. If you believe you are suffering from stress or any other mental health concern, it is advisable to consult a professional who can provide proper assistance and guidance.

Fotini Andriana Stamogiorgou