Stress late in pregnancy

[Fluffballs]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows the effect stress will be having on my baby at 39+ weeks? Without going into details the last week has been a mountain of housing issues, relationship arguments and family problems. I've had big crying sessions at least once a day, been having heart racing panic and general constant worry.

Anything online says that stress may cause preterm labour or can stall labour at term but I can't find anything about whether it could be hurting my baby or causing her distress?
I'm trying my best to keep things calm but something always seems to crop up next.
(Incase anyone's worried I don't have depression or anxiety it's just been a hell of a week and obviously hormonal)
Tia.

I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant and under a lot of stress due to various issues. I'm crying daily and having panic attacks too.

Unfortunately my problems are unlikely to cease before the birth so I spoke to my midwife and she explained that from my stage in pregnancy (36 weeks) the baby is well protected from any stress or anxiety that we as mothers may feel, and it's unlikely to affect the growth or development as it's all pretty much done and dusted now.

I know how awful it feels to feel like this and the added guilt of possibly hurting your baby makes it even worse. I have found talking to my midwife really helpful and they are always so reassuring.

Hope you are okay and manage to enjoy the last part of your pregnancy and being a mum :) xx

It won't be. Don't add that to the bloody stressful time you're having. It'll probably delay labour as the stress hormones indicate it's not an optimum time to be born yet. In a week or so, have a whole day dedicated to non stressful and happy things if you can. Get those happy hormones going. I know it's easier said then done but hopefully it'll help. Watch The Life of Brian or a film you can't help but laugh at, go to get your hair or nails done, see a friend and have a mocktail in a nice bar.

Babies are born in the most stressful conditions... To women fleeing conflict or in war zones, without clean water etc and they are perfectly healthy.

You can do this!