28/05/2020
CAN MY STRESS AFFECT MY BABY?
"When the mother is stressed, several biological changes occur, including elevation of stress hormones and increased likelihood of intrauterine infection. The fetus builds itself permanently to deal with this kind of high-stress environment, and once it's born may be at greater risk for a whole bunch of stress-related pathologies", says Dr Wadhwa.
How stress affect my pregnancy?
You may experience problems sleeping and eating, lost control of temper and having obsessive thoughts. You will have a higher risk of premature labor and baby’s low birth weight. Low birth weight can cause serious or long-term health issues to your child.
How would my stress affect my baby?
Exposure to elevated cortisol prepares the developing fetus for a world that the mother perceives as stressful. If a child is programmed to survive in a world that is stressful, they must be hyper-vigilant to potential danger (sacrificing concentration to single tasks), hyperactive (ready to move and explore), prone to aggression if required to fight off predators, and more sensitive to their environment. These resulted in anxiety, ADHD, reduced cognitive abilities and behavioral issues.
Children of mothers who were stressed during pregnancy show increased susceptibility to asthma and allergies during childhood, higher rates of hospitalisation for infectious diseases such as respiratory illness and gastroenteritis. The risks of cardiovascular diseases also increase.
How can I overcome this stress?
Stress is a silent disease. Pregnancy care is extremely important. Antenatal check up, relaxation, doing your favorite activities and hobbies help to relax and achieve a peace of mind.
If you are a pregnant mother having difficulty to cope and deal with your stress, please settle your stress as soon as possible. Leaving it untreated will lead to negative consequences to the baby, and possibilities of developing postnatal depression that increases the burden of the whole family.
Support is always available. Talk to our therapist if you need someone to talk to. Our therapists are trained to assist and support pregnant mothers throughout the whole pregnancy journey, for a stress free journey to parenthood. Contact 0163367612 for your appointment! We care for your heart, mind and body.
