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Stress during pregnancy:
Why it’s bad, how to make it better

Sure, it looks easy on TV. A glowing pregnant woman in a happy video montage: choosing a crib, buying adorable baby clothes, practicing her breathing with a supportive partner …

Then, there’s real life. Your stomach couldn’t possibly stretch any further. Your back hurts, and you’re definitely starting to waddle. Is that breathing stuff really going to work? When did this bed get so uncomfortable, anyway? And why do those tiny clothes cost so much?

Pregnancy brings its own set of joys — and stressors. That’s normal. But when a pregnant woman is dealing with chronic or extraordinary stress — death, divorce, abuse, or serious job or financial pressures — its effects can be harmful to her and her baby.

Health risks for two

“Stress ignites a woman’s ‘fight-orflight’ response, flooding her bloodstream with hormones to help her react to threats,” explains Daniel McDonald, M.D., of Metropolitan OB/GYN and member of the SSM St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood medical staff.

“With chronic stress, these hormone levels remain elevated for months.” This can increase a mother-to-be’s risk for:

• Gestational diabetes, a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood sugar
• Extreme morning sickness requiring hospitalization
• Miscarriage
• Premature delivery

Stress also may result in a low-birthweight baby or even stillbirth. New research suggests that a mother’s stressaltered body chemistry may influence a baby’s developing organs in ways that can have lifelong consequences, including:

• Brain development
• Motor skills and balance
• Emotional and social skills

Relax — Here’s how

It’s often impossible to avoid stress. However, Dr. McDonald offers healthy ways to manage it:

• Live well. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise according to your doctor’s instructions, and get plenty of rest.
• Set limits. Make time for what’s really important to you — and don’t be afraid to say “no” to everything else.
• Consider alternatives. Relaxation therapies are helpful de-stressors. Massage, reflexology, acupuncture or acupressure, aromatherapy and hypnosis all may help you relax. Or try deep breathing: inhale slowly to a count of four, then exhale slowly for the same count. Repeat five to ten times.
• Do what works for you. That may be listening to soothing music, reading a novel or calling a friend.
• Seek help. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, talk with your doctor. You may need a therapist or other professional care to help you get back on track.