Stress while pregnant

I'm pretty sureI read a lil something about it the first time around but I can't remember a thing now. Can you ladies please refresh my memory on the effects of a stressed preggo on her baby.

TIA

Re: Stress while pregnant

Here is what I have :

"A number of studies have suggested that very high levels of stress may increase the risk of preterm labor and low birthweight. A 1999 study at the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine found that women who reported high levels of stress at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy were more likely to have high levels of a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in their blood. This and other studies have found a potential link between high levels of CRH and preterm labor.

"Stress also may exert potential adverse effects indirectly by affecting the pregnant woman’s behavior. For example, women who experience high levels of stress may not follow good health habits. They may skip meals or not choose nutritious foods, or they may react to stress by reaching for cigarettes, alcohol or illicit drugs, all of which have been linked to low birthweight. Use of alcohol and certain illicit drugs also increases the risk of birth defects.

Studies also suggest that high levels of stress may contribute to other pregnancy complications. A few studies suggest that women with stressful jobs may be slightly more likely than women with low-stress jobs to develop preeclampsia (a pregnancy-related disorder that includes high blood pressure and can result in poor fetal growth and other problems). There also is a concern that high levels of stress may increase the risk of miscarriage. Studies to date suggest that these risks—if they exist at all—are likely to be small for most women."
Source

Re: Stress while pregnant

I want to point out though, that they do not define what are dangerous amounts of stress. My Dr. has told me, especially in the 1st Tri, not to get too excited about work issues and other continuing stresses, like the commuting & such. But I have a mild heart issue, and I suspect she is afraid that my stress will trigger my heart.

Re: Stress while pregnant

I have to say my friend was extremely stressed during pregnancy a variety of reasons-she had other risk factors too it certainly couldn't have helped. She was pg with twins and they were born at 29 weeks but they're doing great now

Re: Stress while pregnant

I have been very stressed lately because of some things going on in my life - I am worried about what its doing to the baby!!!