Antenatal depression = Risk of poor weight gain in baby???

[Psychomumma]

Has anyone else been warned about the possible links between ante-natal stress/anxiety/depression and low foetal weight during pregnancy and at birth? My consultant (who has published research in this area so isn't unbiased I s'pose) said it can have an effect in 20% cases, and wants me to have regular scans to check baby's size (i'm now 29 weeks) - tho as far as I could gather, there's nothing they can do about it anyway, so why risk extra ultrasounds...? I think you're more likely to deliver early with an underweight baby, which in turn creates risks of other problems. Anyone know anything?

[RiallyEeRiaee]

I have had AND 3 times and have never heard this before (not that my opinion means it isn't true). If it helps set your mind at ease DS1 was 6lb+(2 weeks early), DS2 & 3 both 8lb+ DS2 being 2 weeks early and DS3 being born on EDD.

hopefully there will be someone who knows more

[cheeseburger]

no me either.. i had severe ante-natel depression throughout my pregnancy with ds, he arrived 8lb 10 at 39 weeks and the depression lifted as soon as he was born.... seems strange how it could be linked unless you are completely starving yourself? hmmm