How can Depression or other emotional problems of a pregnant affect the unborn child?

Question

How can Depression or other emotional problems of a pregnant affect the unborn child?

Answer 1

try to learn to control your stress levels and the situations that stress you out during pregnancy. however, many women stress out MORE about the effects of stress and depression on their baby which is very counterproductive considering it just causes more stress. even though it may be a fact that the mothers stress levels cause chemical changes in their own body and that HIGH LEVELS of stress can affect that baby, no one really knows for sure or can say without a doubt how it will actually effect the outcome of the pregnancy or the future disposition of the baby.

that adolf hitler statement is just ignorant.

stress is something that, especially during pregnancy, is unavoidable and shouldn't be an issue that causes MORE stress. in fact, i've even read studies that said small amounts of stress during pregnancy can be good for the developing baby. obviously if you are having screaming fits and fighting episodes with the father or anyone else, that is an inappropriate level of stress and should be controlled in whatever way possible. but depression can be a common complaint in pregnancy and shouldn't make you fear that your baby will be adversely affected by it.  

Answer 2

I read a recent study that said that there may even be a link between stress in mothers and homosexuality.  I'm not sure how reliable the study is but when I asked my 9 million g*y friends a lot of them had mothers that were very stressed during their pregnancy.  Stress less... do some yoga.  Love yourself and your child!

Answer 3

If you are stressed out, then your baby is stressed. It can cause preterm labor and labor complications. Speak to your doctor about a counselor. Good luck :)

Answer 4

Fact: Depression during pregnancy does indeed impact the unborn child. Depressed mothers have elevated levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine in their bloodstream; this crosses the placenta to enter the bloodstream of the unborn child. In addition, symptoms of depression engender a host of destructive behaviors: smoking, poor weight gain, and the use of alcohol or cocaine. Excess maternal stress may also affect a child's ability to learn. Excessive exposure to stress affects the physiology of brain. Prenatal stress causes a real rewiring, setting the stage for a range of life-long stress-prone reactions, from heightened irritability to behavior problems.  

Answer 5

During my pregnancy I was misdiagnosed with complete cardiac failure the day after my husband left for over seas. I was 6 months pregnant and all alone. I freaked out. I kept asking the doctors if my baby would be affected and had heard from the high risk obgyns at ucsf and the regular obgyns at ucsf that my baby would be fine. Just try and relax. She is so healthy and doing great. Sometimes the only thing it really can do is affect your weight gain and the babies. Just talk with a counsler and stay calm. I know its so much easier said than done!

Answer 6

i had anxiety and depression throughout my whole pregnancy and still do after giving birth.  my baby seems fine. nothing wrong... reaching all the milestones shes supposed to..early if anything.  they may feel your feelings, but who really knows... i cant say my kid wont get depression passed to her, but with worrying about being depressed while their in the womb wont help the situation.  if they feel it.. they feel it, you cant help being depressed ya know?

Answer 7

I think it just means your baby is more likely to get depression if you have it cos it can be hereditary...but pregnancy is a stressful time anyway so try not to worry to much.

Answer 8

because when u are pregnant the baby is depending on u for everyting even emotional feedback   try to be more positive and do things to make u happy  depression can be very tough while u are pregnant so try to do different things for u and exercising  during pregnancy helps a great deal    

Answer 9

You've heard of Adolph Hitler? His mom was depressed when she was preg. with him if that gives you any idea