impact of stress at 21 weeks

[User24689]

Hi All
I'm getting married on Thurs, both sides of family are visiting from overseas including my divorced parents who haven't spoken in 10 years - I've got a lot on my plate and have been running around like a headless chicken all weekend trying to please everyone and make sure they're having a good time, whilst doing last minute wedding prep.

anyway I've been pretty tired out and tearful the past couple of days and today I'm just worn out. DP and family have stepped in and I am now determined to chill out and take a step back from everything!

Tonight I have had twingey pains like period pains and I am now worrying again that I have harmed the baby by stressing so much.

How easy is it to cause damage through worry, are the pains a bad sign? I have been waited on by my fiance and brother thus evening and banned from lifting a finger! Unfortunately I am now stressing about the fact I am stressing!!

You're right to relax and look after yourself but you don't have to worry, your symptoms sound very normal for pregnancy as there's a lot of stretching going on, so try to relax and enjoy your big day. If the pains get worse or if you're worrying too much then get checked by a midwife for reassurance.

Congratulations on your wedding, I hope you have a wonderful day

That kind of stress won't have any impact on baby don't worry. I read something that said even war situations and the like don't usually have any effect on babies - imagine how many womenwomen are pregnant and give birth during wars and famines and other awful situations and are fine. Low level stress (even if it feels high to you!') has no effect at all. Apart from making you feel rubbish so sit back eat chocolate and relax!!