If there’s a time that is a whirlwind of changes, it is pregnancy. Your body undergoes a wide array of different hormonal ups and downs all at one go. It is no easy task bringing someone new into the world, and despite everyone being there for you, you might still feel like you’re not ready to welcome your change. This might lead to stress. There are many things to worry about, and you would rather not let your mind down. Stress isn’t an uncommon phenomenon during pregnancy. It is the troubles that lead to difficulties.
Stress can lead to sleeplessness, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Not just you; stress can be harmful to your child as well. Chances are stress could lead to premature delivery and weight issues in your child. You wouldn’t want that. So, let’s talk about what causes stress in particular and how to reduce it during pregnancy.
See More: Music For Pregnancy
What Causes Stress During Pregnancy?
Although different for women, stress can have common disorders like insomnia, difficulty breathing and discomforts like nausea, constipation, backache, etc. You are dealing with quite a level of hormones, which causes your mood to change, making it even harder for you to handle all that stress. Chances are you are usually worried about what you might do to take better care of your baby and what you should expect if you are to go into labour. Aside from this, other reasons for your stress might include your job and your responsibility in taking your company further. Of course, life doesn’t stop just because you are pregnant. You have to relax and get through it.
What Types of Stress Can Cause Pregnancy Problems?
Stress isn’t too hard to handle, and sometimes, your ability to handle stress takes you on a better motherhood experience. There are different types of stress. Some are regular due to your work deadlines or just random sitting and waiting in traffic.
The serious ones pose threats and issues for you and your child. Women can have healthy babies, but beware of the areas of stress and avoid them.
1) Negative Events In Life:
Pregnancy might be difficult since your employer might ask you to stay home and rest. You might find it difficult to adapt to the changes. Additionally, there can be other negativity like illness, divorce or death in the family. Try to get through explaining yourself how it’s just a phase.
2) Catastrophic Events:
This type of stress usually include issues not under your control, like earthquakes, hurricane, etc. You get worked up about survival, paying minimal attention to your health.
See More: Effects Of Smoking While Pregnant
3) Long-Term Stress:
This one has been around for a while, and you haven’t yet decided how to deal with it. Common causes include financial troubles, mental or physical abuse or depression.
4) Racism:
Although a rather strange type, it is quite the cause. Imagine yourself being treated differently than others. You’d, of course, be worried about the same behaviour towards your child.
5) Others:
This might include past issues, nightmares, PTSD, alcohol, and trouble quitting. You might want professional help since it could affect your child badly.
It is hard to comprehend the exact effects of pregnancy. Serious and long-term stress might affect your immune system, leading to complications. It is way better if you can try and deal with it and come out with flying colours.
Effect of Stress During Pregnancy On Your Child In The Future:
Nothing is proven yet, but studies show high-stress levels lead to issues like emotional troubles in the child. He may also suffer from loss of concentration and a weak immune system.
How Can You Reduce Stress During Pregnancy?
- Figuring out how to fight stress is crucial once you hold the ‘I am stressed’ banner. Talking to a friend, partner, or healthcare provider is ideal since nothing gets better than seeking support from the people concerned about you.
- If the stress is owing to discomfort, talk to your doctor, who is your best bet and will probably work it all out.
- Staying healthy is the key. Try to eat well and get plenty of sleep throughout the day.
- Everyone knows the benefits of exercising. Light exercising during pregnancy will help you reduce your pain, thus making life all better for you again.
- The activities you don’t need should be cut back on until you are in a better frame of mind.
- Try the art of relaxing with some prenatal yoga and silent meditation.
- Your healthcare provider should know of other moms going through the same dilemma. Talk to them and suggest other ways to deal with stress. Coming up with new ideas in a group discussion isn’t too bad.
See More: Flying While Pregnant
Try to control your stress as much as possible; you will never have to add more stress about your pregnancy outcomes. An important factor would be to categorize your stress as to whether it’s due to family troubles, chronic stress, financial issues, or maybe something else. That should make it easier for you to deal with it in the long run, thus bringing little harm to you or your child.
A little stress while pregnant is, of course, allowable since all moms go through that. However, a constant source of stress isn’t desirable, and you should be willing to do all it takes to get through your pregnancy in a healthy, happy way.
