Stress during pregnancy is a relatively common situation and can occur due to changes in the woman’s body, normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, concern about childbirth and preparations for the baby’s arrival.
However, when stress during pregnancy is frequent or excessive, it can increase the release of inflammatory cytokines and cortisol, which is the hormone related to stress, which can reach the baby through the placenta, and interfere with its development, in addition to increase the risk of infections, premature birth or low birth weight.
Therefore, to avoid risks to the baby, it is important that women try to relax during pregnancy, it is important to rest, do activities they enjoy and have a healthy diet, always with guidance from their obstetrician. See what nutrition should be like during pregnancy.
Possible risks of stress
Some of the possible risks of stress during pregnancy for the baby are:
- Increased risk of allergiesbecause excess cortisol can affect the fetus’ immune system, causing the baby to produce more immunoglobulin E, a substance related to allergies, such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, for example;
- Low weight at birth due to a decrease in the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the baby;
- Increased chances of premature birth due to increased muscle tension in the mother, which can lead to labor;
- Greater insulin resistance and increased risk of obesity in adulthood due to exposure to inflammatory cytokines;
- Increased risk of heart diseaseas excess cortisol stimulates the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which control blood pressure and heart rate;
- Brain changes, such as learning difficulties, hyperactivity and increased risk of disorders such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia due to repeated exposure to cortisol.
How to relieve stress during pregnancy
To reduce stress during pregnancy and thus avoid complications for the baby and promote a woman’s sense of well-being, it is important to adopt some strategies, such as:
- Talk to a trusted person and tell the reason for the anxiety, asking for help to deal with the problem;
- Get maximum rest and focus on the baby, remembering that he can listen to you and be your companion throughout his life;
- Have a healthy eatingconsuming plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole foods, and avoiding sweets and fats;
- Do physical activity regularlysuch as walking and water aerobics, as it helps to relieve stress and produce hormones that give a feeling of well-being;
- Do activities you likesuch as watching comedy films, taking relaxing baths and listening to music;
- Drink calming teas such as chamomile tea and passion fruit juice, which can be consumed up to 3 times a day;
- Do complementary therapyhow to practice yogameditation, having relaxing massages or using aromatherapy to relax.
If stress symptoms do not improve or in the case of depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, you should consult a doctor so that he or she can prescribe specific medications when necessary. Anxiolytics and antidepressants may be indicated but should only be used under medical supervision.
See some eating tips in the following video that help reduce stress:
