If you were stressed in pregnancy, how’s your baby/child?

[musingonhol]

I am accessing professional support but I’m concerned all the worrying in the first half of my pregnancy could affect baby in any way. Could it cause a loss, prematurity or developmental issues, could she be anxious herself?

She is extremely loved and special to us, we can’t wait to meet her. Before this pregnancy we had a loss which has basically just heightened my anxiety all the way through and I feel bad for not being able to chill out a bit more. I haven’t experienced any physical side effects of anxiety: ie still sleeping well, eating well and don’t have high blood pressure. Just anxious thoughts about whether she is ok or not

If you worried in pregnancy, how was your baby/child?

Very. I had an awful pregnancy and spent most of it in tears. Happy to say DS is 15 months and walking, talking, and basically the happiest most lovely little boy ever 🥰 fully on track with all
milestones and a total delight. It will be ok 💐

Absolutely fine. A delight in fact. Zero issues, thriving.

Also my mum suffered a major bereavement whilst pregnant with me and was mega stressed. I’m fine too.

I know it’s hard, but please try not to dwell on it.

A much loved family member died during my pregnancy. My baby girl is the happiest little thing imaginable.

My pregnancy was very stressful as I had to leave a DV relationship and be rehoused. My child is autistic and has behavioural issues and developmental delay. Tbh all of those are very common with this generation so I expect it would have been the case regardless of my pregnancy situation, but that's how it was for us.

Yes exceptionally due to previous stillbirth and recurrent early miscarriage.

DC1 - rather ‘highly strung’ shall we say (but lovely!)

DC2 - always been super chilled (much more complicated pregnancy also)

I was very worried during my third pregnancy. Baby was very wanted but I was afraid I had bitten off more than I could chew and I had huge worries about old, ill parents. They’re a teenager now and have always been super happy and chilled - not a care in the world!

Hey! I had a very stressful job and long hours during pregnancy. Pushed myself way too hard and unlike you I wasn’t sleeping or eating hugely well. I was also very emotional and I’d say wrung out! I had guilt at the time but couldn’t afford to quit. I wouldn’t do it again for my own sake but in terms of baby:

My 5 year old daughter is honestly the happiest and loveliest girl and was smiles all round from a few weeks old - people often commented on what a happy and content baby she was. Very healthy. She has possible adhd (waiting list) but my husband has it too quite severely and it is widespread in his family so that is presumed hereditary!

4th pregnancy plagued with concern that our daughter had issues incompatible with life or would be born with serious issues due to scan results and discussions with Drs. We refused additional tests and gave her a chance. My lovely Grandad was very unwell and died whilst I was pregant with her too. She was born, beautiful and healthy and is now 26 and the most chilled of all of our children. I was worried about all the negativity which she experienced and had the same concerns as you, I need not have worried.

I was very stressed and my 6 year old is fine.

My dad was taken very ill halfway through my pregnancy and I cared for him until he died when I was 7 months gone, when my
mum was also diagnosed with cancer. My baby is now a happy, thriving almost 6 year old with no ill effects from those hideous months. Wishing you all the best.

Both my pregnancies with my sons were stressful and they're both autistic. No idea if there's a link but my daughter isn't and I was less stressed with her

There's just no correlation. I was very stressed in both pregnancies, mostly due to debilitating nausea followed by debilitating PGP. In my second pregnancy I also had horrific recurring UTIs. All while juggling a moody threenager. Every time I went to hospital for extra checkups she would have an epic tantrum because she was convinced I was dying because people go to hospital when they're dying. Honestly it's hard to imagine being more stressed than I was in my second pregnancy.

My first child, dd, has always been clingy and sleepless...while dc2, ds, is so far a chilled baby who doesn't GAF what happens as long as he isn't hungry or in pain. Ignored in the bouncer while I cook? Big sister jumping around singing loudly in his face? He doesn't GAF. Most chilled baby ever. Both kids very healthy and meeting milestones.