How much does my stress affect unborn baby?

[FloweryBoots]

Probably a slightly odd one this, not sure anyone else out there will have the same problem. Basically I am absolutly terrified of dentists, but desperately need to go, and am now 6 weeks pregnant. I'm really concerned about the affects of me being so stressed and panicked will be really bad for little bean. This is not just mild panic, I'm talking tears, shaking, breathing difficulties. I had been getting much better but then my detist left and it's thrown me right back to square one. Unfortunately I've broken a tooth and need to get it fixed, which may require a root canal. I'm really mad with myself I didn't manage to get it fixed before got PG as actually broke the tooth in July, have been to dentists 3 times to try and get fixed, but not been in a fit state to get the work done. As my detist couldn't tell if the tooth was still alive or not, and this affects the treatement I'll need, I've refered to dental hospital for tests and have been waiting an age for an appointment, hence not getting it fixed a bit sooner and before got preggers. (Do wonder if dentist reffered me so she no longer had to see me!). Wondered if there were stages of pregnancy where my stress would be less harmful for the baby and if not, should I just leave it and get the work done after the birth. Anyone know about stress levels affecting babies?

I read an article in the Times about the effect of stress on babies and it didn't make for pleasant reading. Some academics drew together the findings of many studies and concluded that stress was bad. BUT I am sure many women will say that they had stressful pregnancies and their babies turned out fine. I wouldn't worry too much to be honest as we are told pretty much everything is bad for us.

if it helps FB, I was suicidally depressed and anxious throughout my pregnancy with ds2. He was born a complete angel and has been ever since.

With ds1 was terribly happy and mostly much more relaxed, he is far more stressed-out and has far more temper.

I think that the statistics on stress in pregnancy are just that- statistics, they are not the truth of what will happen to your child.

Personally, I wouldn't add to your stress levels by worrying about the baby.
They are a lot more resilient than we seem to give them credit for.
I've just recovered from hyperemesis and having seen what biology is capable of, I hav eno worries about my little baby.
Remember that women give birth to healthy and happy babies during times of war and other massive stresses.
I would be wary of studies into the effects of stress on unborn babies unless you have seen the first hand study in the larger context, not just an interpretation of it. Many writers have their own bias. I am thinking for example of Aric Sigman or Oliver James who are both quite good at using research to their own very biased ends.

Good luck woth the dentist.

The research says elevated cortisol in mothers (usually a stress hormone) is in general associated with more psychological problems BUT a couple of days of freaking out over a dentist appt is not what they're talking about here, and even when women are under acute stress for months, babies can grow up perfectly healthy in a loving home.

So... don't worry it's fine!

Thanks for your comments all. I went to the Drs today for my first appointment on being pregnant and mentioned the dentist issue. The doctor recomended unless any dentist work was urgent and couldn't be left I don't go until after I've given birth.