How does maternal stress during pregnancy affect your baby's health?

Higher maternal stress during pregnancy is linked with significant increase in infant illness during the first year of life, independent of the level of stress after birth. Some stress can be normal during pregnancy, but chronic stress may cause maternal and infant health issues. It is common to experience some worries and anxiety during pregnancy. However, persistent or high stress levels may lead to health issues for the pregnant woman and unborn child.

Research suggests that high stress levels in pregnancy may lead to:

• Preterm birth: Increased risk of giving birth earlier, especially between 27-33 weeks of gestation.
• Low birth weight: Babies born to stressed mothers tend to have lower birth weights.
• Changes in fetal development: Stress can affect fetal brain development, potentially leading to cognitive and behavioral issues later in life.

Physiological effects

• Cortisol Levels: Elevated cortisol due to stress can impact fetal development.
• Inflammation: Chronic stress can lead to systemic inflammation, affecting maternal and fetal health.
• Hormonal Changes: Stress-induced hormonal changes in the mother can have direct physiological impacts on the fetus.

Psychological and behavioural impacts

• Anxiety and Depression: Stressed pregnant women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, leading to adverse outcomes for both mother and child.
• Unhealthy Behaviors: Stressed mothers may engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise, which can compromise pregnancy outcomes.

Reproductive health implications
While the direct impact of maternal stress on a baby’s reproductive health is less clear, research shows that chronic stress can lead to:
Changes in fetal growth patterns: Altered fetal growth patterns due to maternal stress may affect reproductive development.
To manage stress during pregnancy, consider these following tips:

• Women can focus on eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise and getting enough sleep.
• A woman can talk with a healthcare professional about reducing pregnancy discomforts, such as morning sickness, pelvic girdle pain, backache
• The woman should ask her spouse or family member to help with chores around the house and delegate work tasks wherever possible.
• If a pregnant woman works, she can prepare herself and her employer for maternity leave in advance. Writing to-do lists may help.
• If possible, a person should use any time off to relax. She can plan activities to reduce stress, such as prenatal yoga or meditation.
• Learning what to expect during pregnancy, labor and looking after the newborn may help ease anxiety. The pregnant woman can also learn some relaxation and breathing techniques.
• If the pregnant woman’s family encounters any problems related to their circumstances, such as financial or housing difficulties, talking with a social worker may help.
• The pregnant woman can also ask for help from her partner, family or friends by letting them know on how best they can support her during pregnancy and birth.
• Women may find connecting with others in similar situation helpful. This can be through support groups or pregnancy networks locally or online.
• If a woman is struggling to cope-up, a healthcare professional can help her get support and treatment.
• Depression and anxiety can induce stress. A doctor can suggest ways to treat these conditions, including medication.

(Dr. T. Shilpa Reddy, Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility Hospital, Bengaluru)