The routine of modern life is increasingly hectic: work, home, children, and exhausting schedules. A calm and stress-free pregnancy these days is not an easy task, but due to the harm of stress during pregnancy, it is worth trying to avoid these situations, trying to calm tensions, reduce tasks, and take a deep breath. A study conducted by the American Thoracic Society in Toronto indicates that stress during pregnancy is linked to the development of respiratory allergies. The physiological explanation is that when exposed to stressful situations, the fetus ends up producing immunoglobulin, an antibody responsible for allergic reactions1. When the mother goes through situations of constant nervousness during pregnancy, her body’s natural defenses are automatically lowered, mainly affecting the baby. According to research developed by the University of Konstanz in Germany, stressful situations experienced during pregnancy cause biological changes in hormone receptors. For example, mothers who live with violent partners or usually suffer domestic stress2. According to scientists at the University of Konstanz, a troubled pregnancy can affect a child’s emotional health, such as stress intolerance and serious behavioral problems, possibly leading even to mental illnesses.

Can Stress During Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage?

The causes of spontaneous miscarriage are still not clearly understood in the medical field. However, it is known that 50% to 70% of mothers who lose their babies are in the first trimester of pregnancy. In these cases, the reasons for miscarriage are linked to chromosomal abnormalities and other situations that made the baby’s development impossible. Although stress is not directly associated with miscarriage, this does not mean that highly stressful situations, such as a divorce, loss of a loved one, and other episodes, cannot affect the emotional health of the pregnant woman as well as the child. In 2008, a study was conducted in Denmark with 19,000 pregnant women. The participants had high levels of psychological stress and showed an 80% risk of delivering stillborns. Other scientific evaluations also associate stress with difficulty in the baby’s weight gain and premature births.

Causes Associated With Stress During Pregnancy:

  • Delayed baby development;
  • Increased chances of postpartum depression;
  • The child may show delayed language skills, anxiety, and depressive symptoms;
  • Increased risk of premature birth;

How Does Stress Experienced by the Pregnant Woman Affect the Baby?

When the mother is affected by stress, hormones are released that contract the uterus and hinder the vascular system. The main symptoms indicating that the pregnant woman is constantly stressed are: loss of appetite, since digestion is harmed in these cases; low immunity and increased risk of infections; and blood pressure changes.

Is It Possible to Avoid Stress During Pregnancy?

Day-to-day routines need to continue, after all, as many say, “pregnancy is not an illness.” However, that does not mean that a whirlwind of psychological, hormonal, and physical changes do not happen to a woman’s body during this period, making it necessary for her to adopt a new pace, at least throughout pregnancy. If it is not possible to live a peaceful life, in contact with nature and peaceful places, it is possible to manage work and home, but giving up some situations and respecting signs of tiredness and low energy, the best advice is not to push yourself. Especially at the beginning of pregnancy, it is common for the mother to feel more tired, have difficulty concentrating, and feel sleepy. It is important to respect these signs from the body, as they are natural protective mechanisms that support the healthy development of the baby, and also prepare the mother’s body and system.

More Rest Is Necessary!

Fatigue, as well as bursts of energy, are common behaviors during pregnancy. Some pregnant women feel “energized” and love to take advantage of that energy to do countless household chores, at work, and deal with pending matters. Physical activity during pregnancy is healthy, combats a sedentary lifestyle, helps control weight, is good for blood pressure, and helps at the time of delivery. However, rest is also necessary.

IMPORTANT: prenatal care during pregnancy helps prevent numerous problems that can happen during this period. Women who have diabetes or hypertension require even closer monitoring regarding stress during pregnancy.

Physical Activity Helps Relieve Stress During Pregnancy

Physical activity for pregnant women is an excellent treatment for combating stress. Exercising under the guidance of an obstetrician and with the assistance of a physical trainer helps increase muscle tone, reduces lower back pain and fatigue, and most importantly, relieves tension and helps relax3. Pregnant women who have already been warned about controlling stress should consult their doctor to see if they can perform some exercise. Intense physical activity should be avoided, as it may harm the baby’s development.

Activities That Pregnant Women Can Practice

  • Water aerobics
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Walking
  • Weight training
  • Swimming

Before starting any exercise routine, consult your doctor, as the specialist will evaluate your physical condition to recommend the most appropriate exercise. The supervision of an instructor who is used to guiding pregnant women is essential for ensuring safety and well-being. See Also: Anxiety During Pregnancy – How to Cope With It?