Stress During Pregnancy: How Does It Affect The Baby?
During pregnancy, how much we eat, how much we sleep and how much exercise we do. But what role do emotions play? There is a close relationship between the emotional state of the mother and uterine life. Stress during pregnancy can therefore complicate the development of the fetus.
When we are stressed, the levels of 6 types of hormones can deteriorate: cortisol, glucagon, prolactin, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. These oscillations affect the pregnant woman but also the fetus. When mothers experience severe psychological stress during their pregnancy, the risks of pregnancy become greater.
Difficulties for the newborn
The main manifestations of stress are reflected at different levels: physiological, physical and even social. Sleep is impaired, as is appetite (overeating or not being hungry) and headaches frequently appear, with muscle tension, irritability … In addition, the immune system weakens, which increases the possibilities. infection.
Prematurity and low birth weight
Stress can precipitate childbirth. The chances of having a premature baby (born before 37 weeks gestation) or with a low birth weight (less than 2.5 kilograms) increase considerably. These babies are at risk of having a lot of problems in their childhood. For example, frequent illnesses, growth problems, great distraction, hyperactivity, and deficits in motor coordination.
Respiratory diseases and physical defects
Stress during pregnancy can cause asthma in the baby and other types of skin problems, according to several studies. Among them is atopic eczema during the first eight months of a newborn’s life.
In addition, among the physical problems which can affect the baby, one finds the stenosis of the pylorus. It is a narrowing of the pylorus, a muscle located in the lower part of the stomach. This disease requires immediate surgical management.
Circulatory activity
We have mentioned the types of hormones that most influence our body in a particularly stressful situation. After entering the bloodstream, they reach the placenta, which is the vital connection between baby and mother. This set of hormones then increases the baby’s heart rate.
Therefore, the less the woman has to deal with prolonged distressing and distressing events during this period, the better. In this way, it will less “bombard” the little one with hormone flows.
Learning and intellect
A hormone, cortisol, which works in adults to restore homeostasis, can cause serious difficulties in a baby’s future development. It has been shown that the higher its level in the amniotic fluid, the lower the intelligence quotient of the newborn may be.
Although it is not a disease, having an IQ below the average can affect the daily life of the little one. In addition to having learning difficulties, the baby may suffer from attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder. On top of that, he may find it more difficult to solve problems in a planned and strategic way. He will also tend to curb spontaneous tendencies.
Carefully but without being alarmed
Sudden changes in mood or prolonged anxiety are not to be taken lightly. Our body warns us when we are building up tension for days. We don’t sleep well, we are excessively preoccupied and we have a professional, academic or domestic overload. Now imagine if we add to all these stressful events a little being growing inside of us. It is impossible that he is not affected by these mood swings.
However, it is important to point out that unexpected events that occur unexpectedly are not dangerous. For example, if the pregnant woman jumps when suddenly hearing a bark, there is no danger to the fetus.
It is stress – born during situations important to us because they involve some type of threat, loss or prolonged damage – that can create all of these types of alterations in the baby. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that emotional reactions are not all the same in women. Therefore, stress does not affect them all equally.
Getting good rest, practicing self-demand, facing situations calmly, eating a healthy diet or exercising under medical supervision is essential. All of these are great allies in avoiding stress during pregnancy.
Our thoughts Stress has long invaded our lives and our societies. Here are some tips to help you deal with it on a daily basis.
