While pregnancy can be one of the most joyous times of your life, it can also be quite stressful. The discomforts of being pregnant, changing hormones, and worrying if you’re doing enough for your baby can all take a toll on your mental state. An OB-GYN can help you understand the negative ways stress can impact you and your unborn baby. 

How Stress Affects Your Baby

A little stress during pregnancy is normal and unlikely to have any ill effects, as an OB-GYN can confirm. However, severe and long-lasting stress can lower your immune system, which can make you more susceptible to infection. The infection can spread to your uterus, increasing your risk of having a premature birth. Additionally, being overly stressed may cause you to develop unhealthy habits, like eating fatty foods, which can lead to pregnancy complications. When you eat too many fattening foods, you can gain too much weight, which can increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes and giving birth to an overweight child.

How to Reduce Stress

To keep yourself and your baby as healthy as possible, try to reduce your stress levels. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Ask for Help: If you feel like you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for assistance. For example, if you are too busy or tired to clean the house, ask your spouse to help.
• Take a Childbirth Education Class: By enrolling in a childbirth education class, you can learn more about what to expect from labor and delivery. This may relax your nerves. Ask your OB-GYN about good classes in your area.
• Try Relaxation Activities: Certain activities, like meditation and yoga, can relax your mind, so try to do one of them every day.
• Exercise: Exercising is a great way to beat stress and reduce some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Stick to light activities, like walking or swimming.

If you are having trouble getting control of your stress, talk to your OB-GYN. Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates have provided high-quality women’s health care in the Fairfield, OH, area since 1940 and treat every patient with sensitivity and compassion. They are prepared to help you with every stage of motherhood from conception to the delivery process. To make an appointment with a pregnancy doctor, call (513) 221-3800 or visit their website for more information.