Stress during pregnancy

[Soontobe3aftertwins]

Hi all

I've been very stressed this pregnancy and I'm worried it will effect the baby long term. Have any of you been very stressed throughout your pregnancy, has it caused long term problems for your baby. I spoke to my doctor who wanted to put me on medication to help with the stress but I'm scared to do that. I'm currently 28 weeks. Thanks in advanced for the advice.

Hi there,

Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your stress. Obviously I don't know your personal situation or whether the stress can be managed, but if it reassures you, I found out I was pregnant and went through a very close, traumatising bereavement at the same time. I wasn't eating, sleeping and spent all day crying. I then had to start a new job and couldn't tell anyone I was pregnant (or bereaved). I too was so worried and was convinced the stress might cause a miscarriage or some awful abnormality. I called my doctor and she was actually very reassuring. She told me that, in her opinion, the human race wouldn't have survived if stress was such a big issue. Think of all the women who give birth in war zones or other terrible situations.

I'm now 16 weeks and all my scans and tests etc have been fine. I obviously hope that you can find a way to avoid your stress or lower it somehow (for your sake), but please don't let the stress of stress worry you even further.

Sending hugs x

I agree with Fagin99 that we worry too much about the worry we experience and this may not actually have any effect on the baby. I have read that cortisol can affect brain development and they keep an eye on your blood pressure. I have a very stressful job and wondered if I could carry a baby but it has gone ok thus far. Try to take a step back from the stress when you can - walk swim read talk feet up and relax as much as you can. It’s all good for the baby.

Hi,

I had really bad anxiety when I was pregnant with my son. It started before I became pregnant and got so much worse during the pregnancy. I also had a really difficult pregnancy and bled on and off for the whole 9 months. I was crying probably every day and had huge arguments with DH which would make it all worse. I had close family members tell me to stop worrying because “the baby can feel what you’re feeling” and told me I’d have a fussy baby who wouldn’t settle due to my anxiety. My son is 5 months old now and is the calmest and happiest boy who started sleeping through the night at 2 months and is meeting every milestone.
I had the same concerns but everything turned out to be completely fine.
I was still anxious after I gave birth so I am now taking anti anxiety medications which help a lot. If you can, try and make it through the pregnancy without taking anything, although there’s no harm if you need it! I know it’s easier said than done to say don’t worry but just think about how close you are to the end and you’ll have a beautiful baby to love and hold.
Sending love and thoughts as I’ve been in the exact same situation as you. Just know it does turn out alright x