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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Stress during pregnancy, does it effect baby?

10 replies

Catwoman12 · 03/09/2013 12:17

Hi ladies,

Just that really, I have a post up explaining why I am so stressed, and I truly am, I have been through the mill this week, panic attack, huge episodes of tears and upset and a lot of stress, please tell me, how does stress effect my baby? I am so terrified I'm doing him harm, should I discuss with the midwife? Don't know what to think or where to look, so advice would be appreciated

Thank you xx

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Emilycee · 03/09/2013 12:54

Hi Catwoman I saw your other thread and I just wanted to send you a hug.

Im no expert but I would say it can't be great - have you spoken to your midwife/doc?

Hopefully there will be some more experienced mn's along with better advice but didnt want to read and run.x

Rockchick1984 · 03/09/2013 13:19

I suffered from antenatal depression during my first pregnancy - mostly caused by stress and bullying at work. There is NO evidence that it causes any problems to the baby although obviously better to avoid if you can.

Definitely speak to your GP or midwife - I was offered counselling (NHS but pregnancy bumps you up the waiting list) and it was very helpful.

Anecdotally, DS is the most chilled child you can imagine so it clearly didn't do him any harm!

Fairydogmother · 03/09/2013 17:41

Hi there.

I'm off sick from work after bullying by my line manager and I'm now 31 weeks. My endocrinologist said that she is sick of seeing stressed out women giving birth early to underweight babies and ordered me off work! I've noticed since I've been off my baby has been moving about a lot more.

Not trying to scare you but if there's a situation that you can resolve or make better then do it.

EeyoreIsh · 03/09/2013 17:48

There was a really interesting programme on radio 4 about this recently.

We can't totally shelter ourselves from stress when we're pregnant, but it's best to avoid it.

But try not to beat yourself up or be anxious that you are stressed. Try to relieve the stress in a way that works for you. But if you are stressed then don't worry about being stressed as that won't help. I know that's easier said than done though!

I hope things improve soon.

lauren6283 · 03/09/2013 18:08

I hope not because I've been really stressed too! I just try not to think about how it might be affecting the baby as I don't want to add to my list of things to stress and worry about.
Fairydogmother is right though, if there is anything you can do then you should try. My manager has been a as well and my midwife said that it's shocking how many pregnant women are bullied at work. I wish I had complained to someone right at the beginning but now I only have 5 weeks left of work so I don't feel like anyone will take it seriously now.
I hope things improve soon for you and try to distract yourself from the stress if you can. :-)

littleraysofsunshine · 03/09/2013 18:52

I had immense stress while expecting dd2 and she is a very happy, and chilled 15mo

Original poster

Catwoman12 · 03/09/2013 19:49

Thanks everyone, I will call my midwife tomorrow, try and keep myself busy, going through a tough time at the moment and just SO worried I'm harming the baby. Will try and stay stress free, but it's a bit hard at present xx

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MummyLuce · 03/09/2013 20:21

Please do not worry. Acute stress will not harm your baby. I suffered with extreme OCD during my 1st preg and had panic attacks everyday I think. My mum used to say "this baby will be a nightmare when it's born if you don't calm down" and I worried even more! My baby came out 9lb 3oz (not underweight) and the most placid contented little girl ever. I think there are lots of confounding factors affecting birthweight when linking it to antenatal stress e.g women who are stressed are more likely to smoke, drink, take ani depressants, eat too little during pregnancy this leading to low weight babies. I don't believe the stress alone will harm him/her. Get well soon xxxx

rallytog1 · 03/09/2013 21:25

Please try not to worry about it. While I was pregnant I got made redundant, MIL died unexpectedly, we moved house twice, DH and I had to deal with some fairly major family trauma, he was treated for depression, and he came within a whisker of losing his job. It was a pretty stressful nine months with lots of tears and meltdowns. I spent a lot of my pregnancy worrying and honestly thought I would give birth to a stress bunny.

However, my DD is the most chilled out little person I have ever had the good fortune to meet. She was also 9lb 1oz so a really good size and is healthy.

I think stress can affect your baby but it's likely to be very negligible if you can make the effort to live healthily, eat well, do some moderate exercise etc - ie help your body to cope with the stress in whatever way you can. And if you can get help from your doctor or some counselling that would probably also help. Good luck and congratulations x

Original poster

Catwoman12 · 03/09/2013 22:06

Thanks mummy and rally, both of you sound like you have had a tough time of it too, it's horrible when it's happening to you isn't it... I hope you are both well now.

I'm going to call midwife/Dr tomorrow, try and get some perspective, possibly get some counselling arranged, I suffered PND after my last DC and I feel like I'm heading back in that direction, best to get sorted now xx

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