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We all go through stress at some point. But when it becomes excessive or goes on for so long, it becomes a cause for concern, for example, in pregnant women.
When a woman undergoes stress for long periods during pregnancy, the surge in stress hormones can affect the unborn baby through the amniotic fluid.
Most women often have to go through pregnancy with so much on their plate. The strain of carrying on their daily tasks while being heavy, combined with the thought of caring for their child, can make expectant mothers always feel on edge.
Sadly, if an expectant mother is continually stressed for long periods, it puts their baby at risk of ADHD and other cardiovascular diseases.
Although the mechanism of how stress affects the unborn child isn't clear at present, it seems to be through the amniotic fluid, the fluid surrounding the fetus. Typically, the stress in the mother can change the placenta's metabolism and influence the growth of the fetus. This was discovered in a research conducted in Zurich.
When under stress, our bodies release stress hormones, such as cortisol, to handle the chaotic, mental environment. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) is another hormone that increases during stress. The placenta, which supplies nutrients to the unborn child, also secrets CRH when the pregnant woman undergoes stress. Consequently, minimal amounts of CRH enter the fetus through the amniotic fluid. Studies show that the hormone boosts the growth of the child.
This secretion of stress hormone into a fetus isn't naturally a bad condition; it's a design that aims to protect the baby. However, unfavorable conditions may occur at any time, causing premature delivery. In such cases, the stress hormone is released into the baby, expediting development and boosting their chances for survival.
Unfortunately, this increase in stress hormones can negatively impact the organs may not develop properly during the accelerated growth. And this only happens when the stress hormone is released for extended periods.
Short-term stress in expectant mothers does not affect the unborn child. That's because the stress hormone released into the amniotic fluid is minimal and of very little consequence.
The research compared the cortisol levels in 34 pregnant women's saliva and the CRH in the amniotic fluid. The conclusion was that amid short-term stress, the fetus remains protected.
On the other hand, the CRH in the amniotic fluid increases significantly when the stress goes on for long periods. As s result, the effect on fetal growth becomes evident.
Obviously, CRH plays a role in the development of a human fetus, but it only becomes a threat when stress isn't managed.
As an expectant mom, you'll likely go through some mental challenges as you prepare for the big transition. Prioritizing self-care will not only help you but your unborn child as well. However, it would help if you didn't go through it alone. Seek help when things feel overwhelming.
You don't always have to avoid stress. Just try to find ways to manage it when it comes.
