Stress in pregnancy

[jodesxx]

Can stress be harmful to the baby and me during pregnancy?

19.5 weeks pregnant and my stress levels are ridiculous. I've got my wedding in 6 weeks, doing a masters and working full time. My work is chaotic at the moment I am really struggling.

I'm just worried about the effect this could have on me/baby.

Anyone know anything that can help with stress during pregnancy (apart from time off work)?

My recurring miscarriage clinic assured me that stress is not harmful to the baby. However they would say that being exposed to really high levels of stress for a long time is not good for anyone. But in 6 weeks your wedding is done and you'll look back remembering all the good bits. I was in a similar position in terms of working and studying and I suspended my study for a while. This has made a huge difference. Other than that I was advised to at least take brief moment of relaxation every day. For example a nice bath, some yoga, relaxing walk or nice massage. Even a couple of nice deep breaths when needed can help throughout the day. Good luck x

If stress was a mitigating harmful factor, many women wouldn’t have successful pregnancies during wars or times of strife.

But yes, stress generally is really not good for your blood pressure levels and you need to find time each day to decompress.

Try some gentle exercise to get rid of excess adrenaline, followed by some yoga.

I was concerned about this too my job is stressful and we have a few other things going on.

Having researched this When they talk about stress they are talking about clinical stress… We are talking living in Basra or a Syrian refugee camp not manically making a tea and squeezing in a toilet break before your next zoom where you half listen while writing emails and placate your boss (who is demanding something) on work chat.

You and the baby will be fine.

One thing I do recommend is baby yoga before bed and in the morning (if you can wake up early enough)

I was extremely stressed in my last pregnancy. When I was 12 weeks pregnant my Mum died, then my Dad died when I was 20 weeks pregnant. I was stressed, angry, devastated. It did apparently stop me from going into labour naturally and after 3 calm natural births I needed inducing, but that could have happened anyway. She's not affected by it, she's 3 now and fine.

I was stressed during my pregnancy with Dd2.
I didn't find out I was pregnant until I was 5 months. I was worried about everything while in shock.
At 7 months Dd1 died suddenly. I was devastated. Having to deal with all that and a funeral was horrendous.
Dd2 was born healthy after a very quick 40min labour 🙉. Dd2 was the most laid back happy baby I have ever known she is 6 now.
You will both be ok.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Dont add more to your stress with such thoughts xx nothing will happen, chill x

Hi, just wanted to say I was worried about this too as I had a very stressful and tearful December. The foetal medicine consultant reassured me that the baby would not be affected.

Thought it might help knowing this. Do watch your blood pressure, though. Mine went right up due to the stress, but after lots of resting, back rubs and a break from cooking etc I was back in the normal zone.