Stress in pregnancy

Pregnancy is a phase in woman’s life with emotional physical, and physiological changes. Modern woman is exposed to outside work and has to balance between her home, work and her unborn baby. All this may result in stress for her and people around her. Too much stress when not coped with can be detrimental to her and her baby. When this continues for a long time, it can lead to various health complications.

Types of pregnancy stress

There are different kinds of stress that a pregnant woman can come across in her day-to-day life, such as nausea (frequent vomiting feelings), tiredness, backaches and the urge to urinate frequently. To a certain extent, hormonal changes in the body that occur with pregnancy can also be the cause of stress.


Psychological and financial status of the couple may contribute for stress. A couple may feel anxious about the financial demands and the possibility of displacement in work. Working women may also be concerned about the career sacrifices that they may have to make to bring up the child.

Women who suffer high levels of stress may display erratic or unpredictable behavior such as eating irregularly, smoking, alcohol consumption all of which can lead to Premature Labor and/or birth defects. High levels of stress may contribute to a condition called preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure resulting in poor fetal growth and development. Miscarriage is also another risk factor of stress although evidence suggests that the possibility of such risks is rare and can be handled by most women. Women react to stress differently. Some women take it in their stride while others find it extremely difficult to handle pregnancy related stress. The way women manage stress has a direct impact on pregnancy outcomes.


Ways to decrease stress
Women have to identify the various sources of stress and avoid them or learn to handle them effectively, whether the stress is work-related, family-related or physical; leading a healthy and fitter life can make it easier to cope with stress.

Support

A woman’s partner can be her greatest source of support and motivation during her pregnancy. She can also seek emotional support from parents and friends which helps greatly in reducing stress. Talking to family, friends, or even healthcare providers can be relaxing as these individuals can be of support and provide solutions to certain specific problems.


Healthy diet, nutrition and exercise
A healthy diet with balanced nutritional foods, combined with mild exercises is important during pregnancy, both for the mother’s well-being and the growth and development of the baby. Irregular eating or eating the wrong foods raises toxin levels in the body and can be harmful for mother and child.

Good sleep is essential and mild exercises can prevent certain pregnancy-associated discomforts and lull the mother into a soothing and restful sleep. Additionally exercise also helps minimize common discomforts like backache, general tiredness, Constipation etc. and relieves stress.

Pregnant women can also practice other relaxation methods to help reduce anxiety and stress:
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or listening to soothing music. Relaxation is important for both, mother and baby.
Keep the mind clear of bothersome issues, be it work-related or family-related and try to keep the mind diverted by watching television (Do not watch morbid episodes) or listening to music or reading.
Lie down for a while comfortably. Lie on the side supporting the stomach with a pillow.
Visit places you enjoy with your partner—the beach, a resort or even places of worship.
Enjoy your pregnancy throughout. Think of that special day when your bundle of joy will enter your world, bringing in joy and happiness all around.


Pregnancy is stressful for many women. Emotions may swing from being cheerful to being gloomy, from anxiety to irritation. This is quite a natural phase in pregnancy and there is nothing to be worried about unless stress levels reach unmanageable and uncomfortable levels. This can lead to premature birth or Low-birth Weight. Women must identify the situations or other causes of stress and avoid them. Fortunately, most women adjust well to the physical and psychological changes of pregnancy. However, if a pregnant woman feels too much discomfort, it is better that she talks to her doctor.
Know About Pregnancy
Healthy Pregnancy
Fertility basics
Planning for pregnancy
Want a smart baby?
Pregnancy health
Eating For Two
Your growing baby
Exercise in pregnancy
Benefits of exercising,Recommended exercises
Pregnancy Weight Gain
Sex During Pregnancy
Travel During Pregnancy
Stress in pregnancy
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes In Pregnancy
Labor
C-section
New mother care
Healthy Breast Feeding
Postpartum depression
Stretch marks
Diet during Breast Feeding
Birth Control choices
A Pill In Time
Miscarriage
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