Should I stop reading newspapers?

[Worksallhours]

I am 7 weeks exactly with my first. Part of my regular routine for nigh on eighteen years has been scanning (and reading) at least two broadsheet newspapers and a number of specialist publications every day. It used to be a vital part of my job, and I guess I never gave up the habit.

But I am starting to wonder whether I should give it up for the duration of my pregnancy. Reason being ... I am finding current news stories and current affairs (you can probably guess which ones) to be putting me into an acute state of stress and anxiety (my changing hormones are probably intensifying my reactions as well), and I am worried whether/how these biochemical reactions in my body might impact upon my baby.

I can't shake off the feeling that I might be pumping fear and panic chemicals into this tiny little thing before it is even born.

So my questions are ... 1) Am I being stupid? 2) Should I stay away from reading newspapers for the next seven-ish months?

I wouldn't be so worried about it affecting your baby, but if it's stressing you out stop it. The news is terribly depressing and they seem to go out of thier way to report bad stuff. Maybe read a decent magazine or book instead?

No, if it is purely about worry about the baby. It could be the start of a fretful and overprotective cycle of behaviour. The levels of stress which are suggested to have any impact (that is to say, fretful babies... stress does categorically not cause miscarriage ) are things like living in an unsafe trailor in 'tornado alley' under threat of a tornado. That's the kind of sample group.

Your hormones will make you more worried and emotional - also angry, horny, sentimental and many other things!

Much, much later, stress can delay labour. But that's only an issue once you're 3rd trimester!

I am pregnant after several losses including one with a clinical risk of developing into cancer. I also had a blood condition diagnosed after this (which caused the losses). I also suffer from clinical anxiety. So yeah... I knew I'd be a right mess to start with this pregnancy.
So I did a hell of a lot of research and asked a lot of specialists about this (I didn't want to harm any pregnancy I had) and they assured me it was OK. My anxiety and stress from medical history would not impact at all: and so far, so good, it hasn't.

However for your own good if you find your worry and anxiety about the world is getting excessive, it could mean prenatal anxiety. If that is the case, speak to your midwife and don't read the newspapers as it's making you unhappy (but by the same measure, do not get into te habit of fearing or avoiding news... that might also create anxiety and unhappiness for you). There is counselling (even if just a phone line) available as prenatal anxiety is pretty common - it's an anxious time. You deserve not to be anxious, even though baby will be unaffected.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I think that, maybe, I am having a hard time adjusting to the fact I am pregnant and a lot of this tension is spilling out in other ways.