" Most women's bodies react well to the increased demands of pregnancy in combination with work and lifestyle issues. But Outside events, such as the tragedy of September 11 and the anxiety that followed it, can make it more difficult for the body to adapt. When physical or emotional stress builds to uncomfortable levels, it can be particularly harmful for pregnant women. Pregnancy Alone can bring some stressful symptoms, such as mood swings. Stress can add its own list: Fatigue, anxiety, and lowered resistance to infectious diseases.
A Number of studies have suggested that high levels of stress may increase risk of preterm labor and low birthweight. In a 1999 study at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, researchers found that women who reported high levels of stress at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy were more likely to have high levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in their blood.
CRH, which is produced by the brain and the placenta, is closely tied to labor. It prompt the body to release chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger uterine contractions. CRH is also the first hormone our brain secretes when we are under stress. Researchers continue to explore the possibility that women who experience high levels of stress early in pregnancy have elevated levels of CRH that set their placental clock for early delivery.
What's more, babies who are born prematurely are often of low birthweight. However, studies also suggest that even fullterm babies of women who suffer from high levels of stress are more likely to be born at a low birthweight. It appears that CRH or other stress-related hormones may constrict blood flow to the placenta, so the fetus may not get the nutrients and the oxygen it needs for optimal growth.
Research also suggests that high levels of stress may contribute to other pregnancy complications as well. A recent study in finland found that women who experienced high levels of anxiety early in pregnancy were three times as likely as less-anxious women to develop preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related form of high blood pressure that can result in poor fetal growth and other problems.
There is also concern that high levels of stress may increase the risk of miscarriage. But studies to date suggest that the risk- if it exists at all- is likely to be small for most women.
If you're concerned about the level of stress in your life, talk with your health care provider. There are simple, effective steps you can take to help reduce and cope with the physical and emotional stress. Your Health Care provider can give you suggestions and point you toward resources in your community. In the meantime, here are some basic things you can do to cut down ton stress and feel better.
Identify What's Bothering You
Whether it's world events or your fears about parenthood, pinpointing the sourse of your anxiety is the first stepto feeling better and finding an effective way to deal with your issues. If you feel overwhelmed or can't eat or sleep, talk to your doctor immediately. You may need counseling.
Create a Support Network
Having a network of family and friends can provide information, emotional support, and help aorund the house. In fact, some studies suggest that having a solid support system may reduce the risk of preterm labor and low birthweight. And once you have that network, use it! Your friends and family can't help you if you don't speak up!
Stay Healthy
Whether you're pregnant or not, it's easier to deal with difficult times when you're in top shape. First and foremost, seek and maintain prenatal care. It's the best way to keep you and your baby healthy and to detect potential health issues. It's also important to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; get plenty of sleep; and, with your doctor's go-ahead, exercise regularly. Exercise relieves stress and helps prevent some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as fatigue. You should also take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid and drink at least six glasses of water a day. Don't drink alcohol, smoke, take drugs (unless they're prescribed by your doctor), or use herbal products, such as supplements. They may make you feel better temporarily, but in the long term, they're not good for you or your baby.
A Number of studies have suggested that high levels of stress may increase risk of preterm labor and low birthweight. In a 1999 study at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, researchers found that women who reported high levels of stress at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy were more likely to have high levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in their blood.
CRH, which is produced by the brain and the placenta, is closely tied to labor. It prompt the body to release chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger uterine contractions. CRH is also the first hormone our brain secretes when we are under stress. Researchers continue to explore the possibility that women who experience high levels of stress early in pregnancy have elevated levels of CRH that set their placental clock for early delivery.
What's more, babies who are born prematurely are often of low birthweight. However, studies also suggest that even fullterm babies of women who suffer from high levels of stress are more likely to be born at a low birthweight. It appears that CRH or other stress-related hormones may constrict blood flow to the placenta, so the fetus may not get the nutrients and the oxygen it needs for optimal growth.
Research also suggests that high levels of stress may contribute to other pregnancy complications as well. A recent study in finland found that women who experienced high levels of anxiety early in pregnancy were three times as likely as less-anxious women to develop preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related form of high blood pressure that can result in poor fetal growth and other problems.
There is also concern that high levels of stress may increase the risk of miscarriage. But studies to date suggest that the risk- if it exists at all- is likely to be small for most women.
If you're concerned about the level of stress in your life, talk with your health care provider. There are simple, effective steps you can take to help reduce and cope with the physical and emotional stress. Your Health Care provider can give you suggestions and point you toward resources in your community. In the meantime, here are some basic things you can do to cut down ton stress and feel better.
Identify What's Bothering You
Whether it's world events or your fears about parenthood, pinpointing the sourse of your anxiety is the first stepto feeling better and finding an effective way to deal with your issues. If you feel overwhelmed or can't eat or sleep, talk to your doctor immediately. You may need counseling.
Create a Support Network
Having a network of family and friends can provide information, emotional support, and help aorund the house. In fact, some studies suggest that having a solid support system may reduce the risk of preterm labor and low birthweight. And once you have that network, use it! Your friends and family can't help you if you don't speak up!
Stay Healthy
Whether you're pregnant or not, it's easier to deal with difficult times when you're in top shape. First and foremost, seek and maintain prenatal care. It's the best way to keep you and your baby healthy and to detect potential health issues. It's also important to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; get plenty of sleep; and, with your doctor's go-ahead, exercise regularly. Exercise relieves stress and helps prevent some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as fatigue. You should also take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid and drink at least six glasses of water a day. Don't drink alcohol, smoke, take drugs (unless they're prescribed by your doctor), or use herbal products, such as supplements. They may make you feel better temporarily, but in the long term, they're not good for you or your baby.
Get comfortable . A quiet room with no phone or Television works best. Lie down on a couch or bed, slightly tilted to one side with your belly partially supported by a pillow.
