How much does stress affect your baby?

Ive been doing the school play after work so ive basically been at work for about 12 hours a day. The play is next week but Ive been so stressed out and tired all month. Today I lost it and was yelling at the kids. The teacher who works with me said, 'You have to stay calm bc if somethig bad happens to your baby youre gona feel really guilty." I felt anoyed with her for saying that but now i feel worried. How much does stress really affect my baby?

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I would love to know this tooo..... i have never been more stressed in my life... but thankfully none of the stress is pregnancy related!! but still.... very stressful

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I am currently reading a book by Dr. Oz and he says enough to effect the fetus how it develops.

Now I am stressed , that I might be stressed. lol

Message edited 10/27/2010 8:59:21 PM.

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I dont know, but i have been under immense stress the last month with horrible family issues. I was worried about all the stress and it's possible effects to the baby. I am just really trying to take time for myself after work and just RELAX. It's hard, but I am managing.

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

oh great I am screwedddd!!!!

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

Posted by azailia

oh great I am screwedddd!!!!

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

As long as you're listening to your body, you should be ok. If your body is telling you that you need to rest, you should do that. But if you're going about your daily routine and even though 12 hours of work is ridiculous, you still feel good and upbeat at the end of it all, then you probably are fine. You can ask your OB at your next appointment, though, for the doctor's thoughts on this.

You know yourself better than anyone else does. If you feel energized from the extra work, and you're still eating often enough and getting enough sleep, you're in good shape. But once you start to feel run down and ignore it, you need to reevaluate how you're going about your daily routine.

No stress!!! No stressing about stress!!!

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

After finding out that my shower will be on Staten Island... I'm totally stressed out. I hope my little guy is ok.

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I honestly don't know. What I learned through my research is that the baby can be affected emotionally by stress. A constantly stressed out mother can give birth to an unhappy stressed out child. This is something I did my thesis on back in College because I found it so interesting. What's weird is that I actually have witnessed some of it myself. There are 3 different mothers that I have met in my life who admitted to me that they were NOT happy about their pregnancies and really stressed out about it (considered abortions and everything). All 3 of them gave birth to a very angry child. Each of these children do seem to have neglect issues - it's so odd. So after meeting these women & their children I am now a firm believer that baby's emotions are developed from how the mother controls hers during pregnancy.

That said - I think if you're just kinda stressed out in general, it's not going to harm the baby. Everybody faces stress. Heck, I have too. it's human nature. These are extreme cases where the mother-to-be is CONSTANTLY stressed out and angry. I think it's just important either way that you take the time to BREATHE and really relax for the baby. Maybe do one of those pregnant yoga things or take a walk (if it's not too cold) so that you can breathe in the fresh air. Things like that can help ease your nerves.

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I have a very stressful job.12 hours is a normal day for me. My DS is fine.

Relax. Your baby is not going to be hurt by you organizing a school play.

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I had a really bad situation at work when I was about 6 and a half months along. I was under so much stress, I actually woke up having panic attacks. I called the doctor and she assured me that the baby is safe inside and well protected from stress. Stress can even sometimes speed development along a bit. She did urge me to calm down for the sake of myself however as it wasn't healthy for me. I know you love your job, but remember at the end of the day it is just a job. If the current state of the economy teaches us anything it's that no matter how good you are at your job if they need to let you go they ultimately will. Prioritize it where it belongs, it's up there, but it's not everything! Take care of yourself!

Re: How much does stress affect your baby?

I think i read somewhere that all the women who were pregnant during 911 who lost their husbands in 911 still gave birth to healthy children.... it's because of this (if it's true), that I don't think stress really affects the baby too much. There is nothing more stressful that what those women went through. I try to stay positive, but with my crazy work schedule and constant commuting it's difficult.