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When a woman is pregnant, there are several changes she has to make in her life. From diet and exercise to regulating the amount of sleep and stress in her life, the changes she has to make are essential for herself and the baby. You will notice that the people around you start taking extra care of you. Those nine months are pure bliss because of the care, attention, and love you receive from your near and dear ones. Sure, the uncomfortable feelings of nausea and body ache and weird cravings are the not so good parts, but you make up for it with healthy food, constant snacking, and the famous pregnancy glow.
You might be worried about your baby growing inside and take extra precautions to stay healthy and careful. It’s natural to worry, but it’s vital to keep that worry in check before it turns to overwhelming stress. Because levels of stress during pregnancy may have an impact on the fetal brain development. Studies revealed that stress during pregnancy increases the chance of having a premature baby and a low-birthweight baby (1).
Reasons For Stress During Pregnancy
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Stress is a common emotion among human beings. During pregnancy, women experience stress for various reasons, but here are some of the most common causes (2):
- Hormonal Imbalance
Pregnancy causes your hormone levels to go berserk. It’s tough to manage stress with hormonal imbalance and unmanageable mood swings.
- Future Worries
Worrying about the future can increase stress. Most women become anxious about childbirth, financial stability, and their growing baby’s health when they find out they are pregnant.
- Unexpected Pregnancy
Sometimes, women do not expect to get pregnant, and it can cause a lot of stress when they find out about it. Social stigma related to unmarried pregnancy is huge in a country like India. If the woman wants to keep her baby, dealing with pregnancy in such a situation can be a nightmare.
- Emotional Triggers
If there is an unfortunate death in the family, it may cause added stress during pregnancy. If the mother suffers from anxiety, depression, or other mental illness, it may increase stress levels.
Effect Of Stress On Unborn Babies
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It’s vital that a pregnant woman takes care of herself and keeps her stress levels in check because it can impact the growing fetus in several ways. Studies show that increased stress in mothers may pass on to the baby through the amniotic fluid. It affects fetal metabolism and can adversely impact the growth and development of the fetus. Stress hormone in the amniotic fluid can affect the proper maturation of organs in a growing fetus.
When pregnant mothers are stressed for an extended period, the risk of the unborn child developing health issues increases. The baby is more likely to suffer from physical and mental illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and ADHD (3).
How To Manage Stress During Pregnancy
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It is important to take care of your wellbeing, both physically and mentally, during pregnancy. What can you do to manage stress when you are with a child? (4).
- If you lead a busy life, try to slow down and rest. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try to relax.
- Pay attention to triggers and avoid putting yourself in situations that might stress you out. You have to draw boundaries to look after your wellbeing.
- Eat a well-balanced meal to give you and your baby maximum nutrition and keep both of you healthy.
- Talk it out. Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or partner, and share your concerns. It helps to let things out.
- Do not forget to exercise regularly. Make sure your doctor gives you the green light on the kind of exercise you’re allowed to do.
- Spend time doing your favorite activities that help calm you down. Listen to music, read your favorite book, paint, garden, or sketch.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming because you are not only responsible for yourself but also the life inside you. But with the right techniques and regular medical consultation, those nine months can be the most magical time of your life. Was this article helpful? Comment below and let us know.
