Pregnancy is a time of many changes. Your body, emotions, and family life are all changing. While some changes may be welcomed, they can also add new stresses to your life.

Feeling stressed during pregnancy is common, but excessive stress can make you uncomfortable. It may lead to trouble sleeping, headaches, loss of appetite, or overeating.

High and prolonged levels of stress during pregnancy can cause health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, this type of stress can increase the chances of having a premature baby (born before 37 weeks) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5½ pounds). Babies born too soon or too small are at increased risk for health problems.

Several factors can cause stress during pregnancy:

• Dealing with the discomforts of pregnancy, like nausea, constipation, fatigue, or backache.
• Hormonal changes that can cause mood swings and make it harder to handle stress.
• Worries about labor and birth or how to take care of the baby.
• Balancing job responsibilities and preparing for time away from work.
• Managing life’s unexpected turns even during pregnancy.

Certain types of stress can lead to pregnancy problems, such as negative life events, catastrophic events like natural disasters, long-lasting stress due to financial problems, abuse, serious health issues, or depression, and stress related to racism.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also affect pregnancy. Women with PTSD may have serious anxiety, flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares, and physical responses when reminded of the event. Pregnant women with PTSD may be more likely to have premature or low-birthweight babies and engage in risky health behaviors like smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking street drugs.

Stress may affect pregnancy by influencing certain stress-related hormones that can lead to complications like infections of the uterus and premature birth. Additionally, stress may impact how women respond to situations, potentially leading to harmful behaviors during pregnancy.

While we don’t fully understand the effects of stress on pregnancy, some studies suggest that high levels of stress during pregnancy may cause problems during childhood, such as trouble paying attention or feelings of fear.

To reduce stress during pregnancy, consider:

• Identifying stressors and discussing them with your partner, friends, or healthcare provider.
• Understanding that pregnancy discomforts are temporary and seeking guidance on managing them.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising with your provider’s approval.
• Prioritizing tasks and avoiding unnecessary activities.
• Building a support network and utilizing community resources if available.
• Accepting help from trusted individuals and practicing relaxation activities like prenatal yoga or meditation.
• Taking childbirth education classes to know what to expect and practice relaxation techniques.
• Planning ahead for maternity leave and discussing arrangements with your employer.
• Seeking help for depression or other mental health concerns.

When it comes to working during pregnancy, inform your boss about your pregnancy and discuss time off for prenatal care. If you work in potentially hazardous environments, inquire about safer job responsibilities during pregnancy.

Plan your maternity leave by considering when to start, how long you want to stay home after birth, and any adjustments to work responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with the Family and Medical Leave Act and your employer’s maternity leave policies. Additionally, explore whether your employer offers paid maternity leave, continuation of health insurance during leave, flexible work arrangements, and support services like lactation rooms or employee assistance programs.

Remember that the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects employees from discrimination based on pregnancy or related health conditions.

Source: www.marchofdimes.org

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