Stress during Pregnancy – Ways to Cope with the Enemy

Stress during pregnancy is like a constant bombardment for the fetus. In the blood of a stressed woman, stress hormones from the corticosteroid group and the catecholamines cortisol or adrenaline are released. The effects of stress on pregnancy are most strongly felt by the unborn child.
Every pregnant woman knows that stress during pregnancy is a natural phenomenon. For nine months, the expectant mother must prepare for a lifestyle change and welcome a baby into the world. Severe stress during pregnancy is often associated with job insecurity or a lack of understanding from a partner. Knowledge of a painful childbirth can also increase stress. It is not easy to cope with stress during pregnancy, but there are various ways to reduce it.

What are the Risks of Stress During Pregnancy?

While stress is an integral part of life, stress and pregnancy are an explosive combination. Nervous tension, especially stress in the first trimester of pregnancy, can lead to lower birth weight after delivery. Stress during pregnancy also affects blood vessels, which, under stress, are not sufficiently supplied with oxygen and nutrients. If the placenta is not adequately supplied with oxygen and nutrients via the capillaries, it cannot develop properly. Another consequence of high stress during pregnancy can be motor impairments in the newborn. Often, such children are much more irritable and restless in the first two years of life and cry more frequently. There is evidence that chronic stress during pregnancy is associated with the development of Down syndrome, though this has not yet been fully confirmed.

How to Recognize Chronic Stress in Yourself

The devastating effects of stress on pregnancy have been known in medicine for decades. A single episode of intense stress during pregnancy is not harmful. However, if it begins to accompany the woman daily, she should immediately consult a therapist or psychologist. Symptoms of excessive stress during pregnancy include frequent headaches, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, deep breathing in and out, diarrhea and nausea, muscle pain, and a stabbing sensation in the chest.

Relaxation Methods During Pregnancy

There are some proven methods to avoid stress during pregnancy. Of course, these tips are not universal, and it depends on the source of the stress. If the stress is due to the death of a loved one or a very difficult life situation, you should consult a professional. Stress at the beginning of pregnancy can be minimized in various ways. Firstly, sometimes the best solution is to talk to someone you trust, a friend, or a mother who, as an experienced mother, has already been through all the experiences of pregnancy. To free your mind from worries, it’s a good idea to go to the cinema with a loved one (preferably to see a comedy) – this significantly reduces stress levels during pregnancy. Women expecting a baby and experiencing mild stress also recommend warm (but not hot) baths with scented candles or a visit to a relaxing massage (some spa facilities offer treatments specifically for expectant mothers). It is important to remember that popular “pick-me-ups” like sweets or wine are forbidden for pregnant women. A sudden spike in blood sugar levels does not leave the fetus unaffected. There’s no need to elaborate on the harm of alcohol at any stage of pregnancy; it causes severe disturbances in the baby’s nervous system development.