Bringing a new baby into the world is no easy feat. As a new mother, you have a thousand questions on your mind. Is what I'm eating good for my baby? Is it safe to exercise? How will I manage work, housework, and taking care of my baby after having a baby ? You probably think about these things all the time.
It's normal to feel some level of stress during pregnancy, just like at any other time in your life. But if this stress is persistent and ongoing, it can have long-term effects on you and your baby. So let's talk about this in a little more detail.
What really happens inside the body when you are stressed?
When you feel pressure or stress, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode. This is like an alarm system in our body. Imagine that you are walking down the street and suddenly a dog jumps in front of you. Your heart starts beating fast, your body gets cold and sweaty, and you don't know what to do, right? That's how it is.
At this time, a surge of cortisol and other stress hormones is released from the body. These hormones prepare you for danger. They send more energy to your muscles and make your heart pump faster, preparing you to either run away from the danger or face it.
If you can get out of that stressful situation and calm down, the activity of these hormones will decrease and the body will return to normal.
But what's really dangerous is the constant stress that goes on without any relief. This kind of chronic stress can change your body's stress management system. What happens is that your body overreacts to even the smallest things, causing an inflammatory response throughout your body.
Some research has found that this inflammation can negatively impact pregnancy health and even lead to developmental problems in the baby in the future. "There is some evidence that women who have high levels of chronic stress and who are less able to cope with stress are more likely to have low birth weight babies and premature births," says Ann Borders, MD, a specialist in maternal -fetal medicine.
How stress affects a baby's brain
Ongoing stress can also have subtle effects on a baby's brain development as they grow, which can lead to behavioral issues in the future, experts say.
But don't be alarmed by this. Research on this is still in its early stages. Doctors are still studying the exact relationship between stress and pregnancy outcomes. However, it is very important for you as a pregnant mother to be aware of this. Especially if you are suffering from chronic stress, such as financial problems or family disputes, you should think twice about this.
"We need to think about how we can reduce unhealthy stress and help women find better ways to cope with the stresses of life," says Dr. Borders. She also says not to feel guilty about feeling stressed, but to try to manage it as much as possible.
How to control stress during pregnancy?
Well then, there are some simple things you can do to manage this stress. Try to incorporate these into your life.
| What can be done? | Description and use |
|---|---|
| Talk to the doctor. | Talk openly with your doctor about what's causing your stress. Together, you can find solutions. Your doctor may suggest things like meditation, prenatal yoga, or talk therapy. |
| listen to music | Even if you can't sing, it doesn't matter. Listen to a song you like. Or hum softly. Music can control your cortisol levels. |
| Relax, calm your mind. | Take a warm bath. Drink a delicious cup of tea. Read a book you like. Watch a relaxing movie. After having a baby, it will be very difficult for you to find time for yourself. So make the most of this time. |
| Get help from family and friends. | This is very important. Talk to your husband, mother, father, or best friend about the things that are bothering you. Holding onto them will only make the stress worse. Talk it out. |
Is it difficult for you to do these things alone?
Sometimes the stress we feel can be deeper than we think. In such cases, the above-mentioned things alone may not be enough. If you feel sad all the time, anxious, and have no joy in anything, it could be a symptom of a condition called depression that can occur during pregnancy.
If you feel that way, don't dismiss it as normal. It's not your fault. It's also a treatable condition. So be sure to tell your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel some stress during pregnancy. Don't worry about it.
- However, if that stress persists for a long time ( chronic stress ), it can affect your health as well as the development of the baby in your womb.
- It's not your fault that you're feeling stressed, but it's important to try to manage it.
- Even simple things like deep breathing, listening to music, or talking to a loved one can bring you great relief.
- If you feel like you're having a hard time coping with this stress, don't hide it. Be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she will give you the help you need.
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