From first to third trimester: How stress affects you & your baby:

New Delhi:Anticipation for the arrival of a new family member brings a lot of emotions, positive and negative. While there is a lot to look forward to, it's totally understandable to feel nervous and possibly not know what to expect as the body starts to change to nurture a new life. Some factors mother may be exposed to could lead to stress, and that stress could result in negative long term consequences for both the mother and the baby. The articles below describe the effect of stress on pregnant individuals and provide ways to lessen the effect of stress on the body.

Pregnant women feel a lot of changes in their body, mind, and emotions. “It is not unusual for women to have episodes of uneasiness, doubts, and concerns, as the body is gearing up to make space for the new life,” says Dr. Madhuri Burande Laha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi.g “However, If a pregnant woman is under extreme stress, it can result in a disruption of the hormonal balance that may have serious repercussions on the baby’s optimal growth and development.” It is of extreme importance to understand the correlation level of stress during pregnancy, and the stress that possibly gets passed on to the baby from the mother.

Stress during different trimesters:

The first trimester may seem the most overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Anxiety and apprehension in the first trimester may stem from hormonal changes coupled with worrying about potential pregnancy loss or morning sickness. While the pregnancy may come with overwhelming joy and happiness, keeping in mind that the stress hormone cortisol may have negative consequences on the development of the fetus in early development.

The pregnancy complications from prolonged stress, in the form of hypotension, preterm labor, or adverse intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) result in preterm or low birth weight babies which may require special care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) post-delivery. Therefore, adopting the practice of relaxation, in the form of deep breathing exercises and gentle movements (such as walking) may prove beneficial in stress management.

Stress management shifts from the first trimester to the second. emotional discomfort from psychological weight concerns, the baby’s health, or anxiety about health screening can become stressful with physical discomfort, and shifts in body shape. More than ever the support from the practitioner and family/companions is critical for stress management. Staying positive, joining a support group, and expressing emotions with companions can be helpful in managing stress.

During the last trimester, many women feel overwhelming fatigue and anxiety. Experiencing multiple stressors during pregnancy can heighten the risk of high blood pressure, low birth weight, or early preterm delivery, making stress management through prenatal care vital. Things like reading or listening to music to help with stress are completely fine.

Expectant mothers should remain calm, positive, and relaxed. In the ninth month of pregnancy: rest, recover, and do not overexert; keep a healthy and balanced diet; practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing; journaling and watching educational or comedy videos are effective; and get professional help for anxiety when needed. as an expecting mom, you should focus on yourself first and foremost. It is completely okay to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing during this period of time.