The Importance of Avoiding Stress While Pregnant

Stress is the body’s natural reaction to a change in the environment. Everybody feels stress under certain circumstances but not everyone processes it the same way. The medical industry has seen an increase in illnesses related to stress around the world in recent years as people encounter constantly increasing demands on their time and energy. Stress can trigger a variety of symptoms and lead to disorders including heart disease, depression, hypertension and erectile dysfunction.

Eustress is a condition brought about by positive stressors like an impending childbirth or wedding ceremony. Negative stressors like a car accident or death of a family member cause distress and are traumatizing in a way that can affect health.

The relationship between stress and pregnancy is complicated because having a baby is a negative or a positive stressor depending on the situation. A pregnant woman is already under a great deal of physical stress carrying the baby for nine months. If she is facing an emotionally stressful situation like a divorce or physical distress from abuse, there can be a negative effect on the health of the child. Exposure to toxic materials and malnutrition are problems the infant may have if the mother is not taking care of herself throughout the pregnancy.

Extreme stress can trigger a premature birth, miscarriage or even be fatal to the mother. Cortisol, a hormone released under stressful conditions, can result in high blood pressure and increase the possibilities of complications during delivery. Depending on the extent of the damage, a child can suffer mental, developmental or physical problems that last a lifetime.

Regardless of the circumstances, a pregnant woman must do whatever she can to avoid unnecessary stress. The health of the child and her own life may depend on her willingness and ability to stay positive and guard her health during this crucial time.