During pregnancy, stress not only affects you but it affects your baby as well. Pregnancy can be stressful for a pregnant woman anyways as she is dealing with body changes, anxieties of having a baby, etc. But when dealing with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, you have the added stress of dealing with it.

A new study in London validates that stress can affect the baby. There is evidence from the study that shows that stress can affect the baby as early as seventeen weeks gestational age. Studies have also shown that women who were highly stressed for expanded periods of time are more likely to have children with hyperactivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Remaining stress free during an unplanned pregnancy is near impossible. I know that from experience, but I do have a few ideas for you on ways to de-stress when you feel that you are at your maximum stress level.

1. Exercise – It sounds crazy but exercising produces “anti stress” chemicals in your body and can help you decompress when you are wired. Taking a short walk when its pretty outside can be healthy as well as relaxing.



2. Take some time for you – At the end of the day, try to have a little “you” time. Listen to music, take a bubble bath, watch a movie, etc.



3. Journal – Write down your feelings about what is stressing you out the most. You will feel better once you get them out of you and on to paper.



4. Take a time out – If you are at work or at a family function or anywhere that is stressful situation, take a short five minute “time out.” Close your eyes, block out everyone and everything, concentrate on breathing in and out, and think of a nice relaxing place such as a deserted (and quiet!) island.

Listen to your mind and body! When you feel super stressed, do something to relax. It’s beneficial to both you and your baby!


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Related Resources:
Pregnancy and Stress: Signs of Stress
My Pregnancy Section