How much does stress of the mother effect an unborn child?

Answer 1

Can stress affect an unborn baby?

Too much stress can cause damage to a baby's brain. Stress can happen after a baby is born but also while the baby is still in the womb. Exposure to prenatal stress and risks can alter or slow a baby's brain development and have long-lasting implications for later development. The specific effects of any risk factor depend on type, amount experienced, and timing and duration of exposure. The most common types of prenatal risks are:

Infectious diseases
Neurotoxins
Nutrient deficiencies
Prematurity

Answer 2

I have always heard that the more calm and happy you are will greatly effect how calm and mellow your baby is. When you become stressed this increases your blood pressure which directly effects your unborn child. Some stress is normal and is going to happen. I just wouldn't stress over all those things that you can't prevent. Have fun with all of it!

Answer 3

Chrissie has great answers for physical stressors such as medical problems. Those are typically the stresses referred to in studies.

There is also emotional stress. The reality is that emotional stress of the mother has little effect on the child directly. It has been shown that in war torn areas, children are more likely to be born prematurely. Given that, if you are in an abusive environment, where you feel threatened, it also would increase your chance of having a premature baby. Someone having a meltdown over their MIL is not in the same league of stress.

Answer 4

We looked at this at psychology a level. There are acouple of different personality types:

1: laid back and un worried - born leader type- copes with stress well
2: seriously affected by stress - worries lots, not a leader

We learnt that the method of birth of the baby, ie vaginal or c section affects this, as does the ammount of stress put on the birth.

Being born naturally and having a v stressed mother supposidly research shows makes number 2. C section and laid back mum makes 1.

Dont know how true it is though. GL with baby!

Answer 5

stress is a big factor in life, even in the womb. and since stress can affect our eating and sleeping..big factors when pregnant..moms need less stress. although stress can not totatly be elminated, there are ways to reduce it. having the support and love can also help alot. The less worry..the Better. take it from a mom of 3 boys! I was stressed a lot with my second one, he came out fine, but if you aren't careful it can put into early labor. i went into preterm with him at 26 weeks, but carried him to a healty 37 week baby! But every woman and body is different. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

well i dont know about throughout pregnancy but certainly in late pregnancy it can be harmful. There was this inicident that occurred when i was about 36-38 weeks pregnant when someone's dog was off the lead and started barking furiously at me.

After the dog was under control i was hopping mad and started shouting at the owner, telling him he should control his dog. He was very unapologetic and i was furious and I started swearing and all sorts. ANyway i entered the clinic and my back kind of stiffened and i was suddenly very out of breath - hyperventilating .. i thought something was going to happen , maybe i would go into early labour or something. It took me about 15 minutes to get my breathing back and the pain in my back to stop. I guess it was all the adrenalin which caused that. Anyway i wont make that mistake this time around - when i am heavily pregnant and someone p*sses me off i wil just calmly walk away !! lol

Answer 7

Everyday stress, the kind that accompanies the typical hassles of life, won't do anything to the fetus--the placenta filters out most of those hormones. Extreme depression and anxiety can lead to premature birth and low birth weight and should be treated immediately.

Answer 8

Stress brings about changes in mother which in turn affects the child..

Answer 9

i had severely stressful pregnancy due to my then partner, i cried, screamed and shouted nearly everyday due to our circumstances and my son is a happy healthy intelligent little boy
he has hit all of his "milestones" on time and even some early. he runs around singing and chattering all day goes to bed like an angel and eats well. i can honestly say i cant see any ill effects at the moment.

Answer 10

Stress can increase blood pressure, which in turn can cause hypertension or pre-eclampsia. Neither of which are good.