stress in pregnancy

[msatlantis]

Before, and since I found out I was pregnant, I have been having difficulties with my partner.

I made the decision to leave him due to his very unreasonable behaviour a month ago.
Am now 29 weeks.

I am worried about the effect of so much upheaval and stress on the baby. Even now, my ex-OH is making life difficult for me where he can find opportunity. His actions and words have made me anxious, stressed and I feel quite low most days. 'Normally' I am quite an upbeat person.

I feel cheated out of enjoying the experience of being pregnant (this is my first DC). But I really worry about what all of this anxiety might be doing to the baby - I have heard stress in pregnancy is not good. What does it do to the baby?

[Thurlow]

I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time (though can I say congratulations for making the huge step of leaving him?).

If you are worried then talk to your midwife. But it will be fine. Babies are designed to put up with a lot. It's hard when you are so stressed you can't enjoy the pregnancy, but your baby will be absolutely fine. I had a horrible stressful time during my pg - nothing on your scale but we were chucked out of our flat, trying to buy a new place, living in friends spare rooms for several months, moved in to a house without a bed, lots of lovely things...) and I still had a big, healthy baby and DD is fine.

Do you have people around you to support you?

[msatlantis]

Thanks Thurlow.

Not an easy decision, but my intuition kicked in and I knew I had to leave - for my mental wellbeing and most importantly, so I could provide my baby with a happy, stable home environment.

I can talk to my midwife, and my family are really supportive - but I know I'm not going to feel like myself for a while. Talking helps but it doesn't take away the stress and upheaval entirely. I feel guilty that all of this is somehow damaging my baby.

[Thurlow]

Don't feel guilty. You've done such a brave thing and made such a great decision for you and your baby in the long term. I'm glad to hear that your family is supportive. It must be so hard but really, your baby will be well

[cocochanel21]

Please don't feel guilty you are not damaging your baby.

When I was pregnant with Dd2 the whole pregnancy was stressful from the start due to an on going family situation.At 7mths I suffered a tragic breveament the last 2mths were horrendous I didn't eat hardly slept and if I'm honest I kind of gave up.
Dd2 was born fit and healthy on her due date. She the most happy and contented baby I have ever met and loves her sleep. She's 14weeks old.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy

[Lovemylittlebears]

I'm the queen of stress. Two happy very chilled out babies here. Be kind to yourself xxx