Stress is a normal part of human life, and as a mother-to-be, it’s just as likely that you’re going to experience it. But the level of stress in a mother can impact her unborn baby.

According to research, when a pregnant woman is exposed to stress constantly, her body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can cross the placental barrier and affect the developing fetus in several ways.

Increased Health Risks

Maternal stress during pregnancy can increase the risk of various health problems for the baby. This includes respiratory infections, asthma, and allergies. It can also result in preterm birth, low birth weight, and impaired immune function.

Studies show that children exposed to high maternal stress levels are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems later in life.

Neurological Development

The impact of stress extends beyond physical health as it may affect a baby’s neurological development as well.

When a pregnant woman is under constant stress, her body produces high levels of cortisol, which can affect the baby’s brain development and result in permanent changes to the brain structure. This can cause emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems later in life.

Stress and Epigenetics

Another way maternal stress can affect an unborn baby is by changing epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to chemical modifications that occur to the DNA that can alter the expression of genes.

This can result in genetic mutations that might cause the baby to be predisposed to the effects of stress after birth or even later in life.

The Immune System

A normal level of stress is necessary for the development of a baby’s immune system. But excessive stress can affect the baby’s immune system, making the baby prone to infections and other illnesses.

A study from the University of Pennsylvania revealed that fetuses produced more T-cells, which are vital for fighting infections when their mothers were stressed during pregnancy. These T-cells, however, had weaker functioning than normal.

The Importance of Support

It is impossible to avoid stress entirely, but a mother-to-be must take the necessary steps to reduce it. If you’re pregnant and feeling constantly stressed out, it might be time to seek help.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will provide the emotional support you need. Relaxation techniques like massage or yoga can also help, as can moderate exercise like taking a walk or swimming.

Conclusion

Stress is a normal part of life, and as an expectant mother, it is essential to keep levels at a minimum, as it can impact your unborn baby.

Maternal stress can result in a variety of health problems for a baby, including low birth weight and respiratory infections. Neurological issues, epigenetic changes, and immune function may also be affected. If you’re experiencing stress during pregnancy, make an effort to control it by seeking support from loved ones, exercise or through relaxation techniques.