Stress during pregnancy: does stress affect fetal and child health?

Pregnancy is often considered a happy experience but many women encounter stress in various ways during pregnancy. They may worry about employment, the health of their baby, lack of familial and partner support, whether or not to continue education, etc. Many pregnant mothers may even wonder whether or not the stress that they are experiencing affects their baby’s health. This video looks at how stress affects fetal and child health.

This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your health care provider for Information about your health.

This video was created by McMaster students Rafaella Shammas (Arts and Science & Biochemistry); Fanny Lynch (Biochemistry); Eshan Shan (Life Science); Annelise Koehler (Health Science) and Zion Lee (Biochemistry) in collaboration with the McMaster Demystifying Medicine Program.

#DemystifyingMedicine, #MentalHealth

References

Woods S.M.; Melville J.L.; Guo Y.; Fan, M.Y.; Gavin A. Psychosocial stress during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2010, 202, 61, 1-7.

[jessicamartinez]

You are not alone stressed Mamas ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎💖 we might be stressed but we care enough to find this video. Already a great sign we love our little ones. We are strong and can get through anything 💪

[nicolem.]

I'm 4 months pregnant and so stressed from my emotionally abusive boyfriend

[torikareny]

I’m 10 weeks pregnant and stress here and there for a decision I took before finding out I was pregnant. I took the decision to leave my job and trade full time, I’ve made money but it’s getting hard to pay some bills. I don’t stress too often because I know I will end up covering everything but just the thought, my partner is very good but I don’t want to be dependent on him because I know he has the household bills♥️♥️ stay safe everyone god will be with us every step of the wat

[MariaGonzalez-nfqo]

5 months pregnant with no support from anyone and full time job. Very stressful

[TedBundy_]

I have had severe anxiety and panic attacks this entire pregnancy and my last... I had to cold turkey my medication each time I have became pregnant so it's been rough!!

[meenaz]

M 8 month pregnant.. In abusive relationship with my partner...worries about my future about baby future...hope everything goes well

[trapselena]

Loved this, explained so well and straight to the point. Thank you ❤️

[nattyj]

My boyfriend is emotionally abusive as well. I lost my baby at 7 months, I blame me and not him because he can be replaced but my daughter cannot. I am mad at me not being mad at him, his lack of support financially and emotionally. New job was stressing me too. Sorry Felicita ure mine and we belong together for all eternity

[bdubbzx]

You're quite intelligent and straightforward, I can definetly tell you are well educated in human biology and physiology. Thank you for addressing these concerns in a factually and unbiased manner! It's appreciated. Please create more content from your knowledge base.

[alibali]

7 months pregnant....22 month old toddler....I am extremely stressed and just can't be bothered!!....I just need to be locked away for the rest of my pregnancy!!

[abbey]

Dealing with my emotionally abuse and sometimes physically abuse boyfriend. I love him so much, but it's breaking me down and I know it's hurting my baby boy

[barbiex]

instead of yoga or exercising or whatever just sleeping all day count cause I like yoga I just don't like to move specially with a big ass stomach

[dummhop]

The music in the background is too loud

[mannishgambino]

Imagine all the factors affecting women with lower socioeconomic statuses. This society fucks women over on so many levels.

[michaelshannon]

No wonder my entire life has been a fucking nightmare.

[sifisomthethwa]

My partner told me how much he hates me and what's nothing to do with me. Together with his mom 4dsys after I was discharged from the hospital. Mind u, baby is not born yet, it was an emergency admission. Apparently I was faking it n want attention. The pregnancy has not been easy but Is now million times worse coz my stress levels have hit the roof.cant sleep at night. Having day terrors. I'm expressing contractions. I hate him n hos family for putting me n my baby through this

[Robyn]

Pregnancy after multiple loss…. Definitely stres

[xxNeoeNxx]

Keep up the good work!! But cortisol is beneficial for the developing foetus.

[roninakai]

Can this stress cause you to lose your child

[Imsobendy]

Yea people with money don’t have stressful pregnancy.