Stress Affecting baby

[ClaireBear1986]

I have been having a really stressful week, and I am worrying about if this could be affecting the baby.

I have googled but find the articles are very conflicting with their information and advice.

I am finding when I am most stressed out, that my baby seems to move a lot less than normal. Does anyone know if this is normal, or should I be concerned?

I am sure I am probably worrying over nothing, so thought I would come on here for a bit of advice, and to see if other people have found the same.

Thanks all :)

I had HUGE stress during my pregnancy with dd2. Bereavement, business stress and also a traumatic event all within 9 months.
Dd2 is absolutely fine, in fact she is the most chilled out baby ever.
Don't stress over the stress, baby will be fine.

There is stress and there is stress. Some people will lose their husband whilst pregnant, will be homeless, will loose a parent, will separate/get divorced, or will be in terrible conflict situation, victim of violence. I really don't think regular, relationship or work related stress or pre-Christmas stress had any consequences whatsoever. Just try to rest when you can, eat well.

I think you are just overthinking it. Stress can affect pregnancy outcomes, but we're talking serious chronic stress, like war, rape, homelessness, violence, etc. that occurs over a long period of time and affects health in other ways, usually blood pressure, nutrition, weight, etc. Not like normal every day work, financial, relationship stresses.

More than likely you find you feel less movement on days you are busy and preoccupied with whatever is stressing you out. I always feel less movement on the days I'm busy or distracted. It's not so much that there is less movement, but you just don't notice it, even if you try, because your mind sort of blocks it out. But isn't isn't a bad thing to find things that help to relieve stress. Take a long walk, go swimming, give your a night off from cooking dinner or cleaning or whatever, take yourself away to visit a friend or family member for a night to get a break from anything, etc.

Apologies @Twofishfingers if my original post has come across in the wrong way at all. I wasn't in any way trying to suggest that I have worse stress than other people or trying to compare my work related stress to the stress of someone going through bereavement or homelessness.

Thanks for the reassurance @Icantdancedontaskme, I thought I was probably over thinking it but you can't help but worry when it is the health of your baby. It is definitely very easy to start stressing over the stress!!

I think you are 100% right about having some chilled out days or ways to relive stress @mindutopia. I am starting swimming and pregnancy yoga in the New Year, so hopefully that will help.
Plus I have a visit from my parents this weekend, and what can be better than TLC from your Mum and Dad.

Thanks all for the advice, it has been really helpful :)

I've been thinking about this too, wondering if the baby can it when I'm crying, or when I'm really angry, and if it makes him distresssed, and then feeling guilty for it. I read some studies that said the baby is affected by the mother's emotional state during pregnancy but I don't think it is helpful for them to tell people that. It is natural for pregnant women to feel stressed or unhappy at some point so I doubt it makes any real difference to the baby's well-being.

After quite a stressful day today (nothing insane, just usual every day pressures) I was really worried, as little man is so active and when I have a bad day he seems to hardly move at all.
According to google, it looks like stress is known to reduce baby movement but it doesn't cause any problems at all. So that is a relief.

I've chilled out this afternoon, and he has gone back to kicking away again!!

That's so true @HarryHarry, everyone is going to have some form of stress in their pregnancy. If someone can go through their whole pregnancy without any stress or worry, then I want t know how they managed to do it!! Ha.
I hope your having a lovely, stress free today though :)

Please don't worry x I'm 37 weeks pregnant and both my parents passed away this year - Mum in June and Dad in August ☹️ you can imagine I haven't been very calm at all during my pregnancy, but my midwife/consultant etc have all said it hasn't affected baby, and she seems happy in there :-)

So sorry to hear your news @Hotpinkangel19.
But pleased to hear that you have a healthy happy baby due to be joining you soon!! What a blessing she will be.

Thanks for the reassurance :)