Becoming a mother is the most enjoyable experience of any woman’s life, but during pregnancy, women go through many physical and emotional changes. This nine-month journey is full of excitement, fear, restlessness and many challenges. It is natural to have mental stress during this period, but if this stress increases then it can have a negative impact not only on the pregnant woman but also on her fetus.
Effect of stress on pregnant woman
- Gestational Diabetes:
Women who are extremely stressed during pregnancy have an increased risk of gestational diabetes. This condition develops only during pregnancy and usually returns to normal after delivery. However, high sugar levels can affect pregnancy and lead to type 2 diabetes in future. - Preeclampsia:
This is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and increased amount of protein in the urine during pregnancy. This problem usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. - Postpartum Depression (PPD):
Women who are highly stressed during pregnancy may have increased stress levels due to complications in handling the baby after delivery, discomfort in breastfeeding and hormonal changes, putting them at higher risk of PPD.
Effect of stress on pregnant baby
- Premature delivery and low birth weight:
Due to increasing levels of stress during pregnancy, the risk of premature delivery increases, which leads to low birth weight of children. This increases the risk of many health complications. - Problems related to body and brain:
Increased stress hormone levels can affect fetal brain development. This can cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties and emotional problems in the child.
due to stress
- Not being able to balance pregnancy with other responsibilities.
- Inability to manage changes in relationships with partner and friends.
- Anxiety and fear about pain and complications during delivery.
- Mood swings and stress due to hormonal changes.
- Physical problems such as nausea, constipation, fatigue, and back pain.
- Concerns about the health of the child being born.
Ways to relieve stress
- Be physically active: Do pre-natal yoga and exercise.
- Nutritious diet: Eat balanced and nutritious food.
- Sleep: Get 8-10 hours of sleep and take some rest during the day.
- Reduce caffeine intake: Reduce the intake of tea, coffee and cola drinks.
- Maintain positivity: Stay away from negative things and stay wrapped in happiness.
- Happy activities: Do activities that make you happy.
- Communicate: If something is bothering you, discuss it with your partner, family and friends.
By adopting these measures, you can control stress during pregnancy and improve the health of yourself and your baby.
