Stress in Pregnancy

Stress, which comes to the fore to a certain extent, definitely does no harm. But big one Stress in Pregnancy and strong maternal fears can very well have a negative effect on the child and its development. A low birth weight or a miscarriage are possible. Childish long-term effects such as asthma and depression are sometimes possible.

What does stress mean for the child's development?

When a child grows in the womb, many factors influence its development. During this time, which is about 40 weeks, the head, arms, legs and torso are formed; all important organs such as the heart, the brain and the kidneys are also formed. The development of the child or the genome is coordinated and also guided.

The mother supplies the unborn child with all the necessary substances such as nutrients, antibodies and hormones. Child development is also influenced by the stress that the expectant mother is exposed to. Hence the factor Stress in Pregnancy should not be underestimated.

A little excitement doesn't hurt

Everyone knows stress and is exposed to it - sometimes more, sometimes less. Whether it is high demands in professional life, constant lack of time, arguments with the partner, the family or even existential worries, the daily hectic or constant noise - in the end the stress has many faces.

It is obvious that pregnant women cannot avoid 40 weeks. In particular, everyday stress is already part of "normal life". No wonder women worry when they are stressed knowing they are pregnant. Ultimately, they are afraid that the stress could have a negative impact on the unborn child.

If the body gets into a stressful situation, it begins to release stress hormones such as noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine and precursors of cortisol. As a result, the heart rate increases; Blood pressure also rises, breathing becomes faster and the muscles begin to tense. As a result of the stress, digestive activity can sometimes be reduced.

The child feels the changes in the mother. This also speeds up the child's heartbeat. But light stress is by no means harmful. Researchers have already found that mild stress and the associated increase in heartbeat lead to the child being encouraged. Physical maturation, mental abilities and motor skills improve when the child perceives and reacts to the mother's slight stress.

When the stress takes over

Nevertheless, it is important that the expectant mother is not constantly exposed to stressful situations. Because if the stress is too strong, the child's development can definitely be influenced and the risk of serious child disorders increased. This can lead to premature births, neurological as well as emotional development disorders or lead to a low birth weight.

But ADHD, poor mental abilities and also physical complaints - such as obesity or asthma - are not uncommon if the woman was permanently under stress during pregnancy. But that does not mean that expectant mothers who are under stress automatically harm their child or the child's development is impaired.

There are, indeed, numerous cases in which the expectant mothers were constantly under stress, but ended up giving birth to healthy children. The following stressors and mental illnesses can cause damage, depending on the case: fears (including pregnancy-specific fears), depression, problematic living conditions (problems in the relationship, physical or emotional violence), bereavement or other traumatic experiences (Terrorist attacks, assaults, natural disasters).

If the expectant mother notices that stress and fears are intensified by the pregnancy, she should consult a therapist or at least consult her doctor.

Psychotropic drugs in pregnancy

If women suffer from psychiatric illnesses (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder), drug therapies and treatments must also be continued during pregnancy. It is important that such therapies or dosages are reduced, but not abruptly discontinued if the doctor recommends this.

So far there have been proven only a few psychotropic drugs that are "teratogenic". It is important, therefore, to consult with the doctor about which medication can be taken or whether there are other ways of getting the problems under control - during pregnancy - without having to take medication. It is imperative that you refrain from trying yourself or changing the dosage without consulting a doctor.

Small breaks are important

Stress during pregnancy does not have to, but can occur. It is important that you also learn to confront your superior or partner with a "no" and sometimes also recognize which factors lead to stress. It is important that the signs of the body are recognized during pregnancy.

If you are tired, it is advisable to seek rest. If the perceived stress gets out of hand, it doesn't hurt to switch off the mobile phone and just concentrate on yourself and your baby. After all, it is important for mother and child that both can enjoy the time during pregnancy.