What are the Effects of Stress During Pregnancy?

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Stress during pregnancy can have a number of harmful consequences for the unborn child, including autism, learning problems, slower development and anxiety later in life. Both emotional and developmental changes have been documented in babies born to mothers under stress during pregnancy. A number of things can cause this stress during your pregnancy, including symptoms you’re struggling with, changing hormones, a busy work schedule and anxiety over childbirth. Here’s a look at the effects this stress can have on your baby.

Effects of Stress on Pregnancy

• Increased risk of pre-term labor. Babies born pre-term are more likely to develop a range of complications, such as learning disorders, developmental delays and chronic lung problems.
• Babies who experience the effects of stress before birth are at an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Studies suggest stress during pregnancy can affect the baby’s neurobehavioral development and overall temperament later in life.
• Babies born to mothers who deal with stress early in pregnancy are more likely to show signs of irritability and depression.
• Babies may be born with a low birth weight.
• Studies link stress during pregnancy to an increased risk that the child will develop learning problems, ADHD and schizophrenia.
• Mothers dealing with stress during their pregnancy can develop high blood pressure, an increased heart rate and chronic anxiety.