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with all our stress thought this would be good info to share:
Q: I'm six weeks pregnant, and these past few days I've been feeling stressed and very nervous. I try to calm myself down, but it seems that nothing helps. Will it affect the baby? What should I do? We recommend that you tell your obstetrician or midwife how you've been feeling so she can rule out the possibility that an illness is causing your stress and nervousness. If you're not sick, it might help to know that feeling stressed and nervous is not unusual early in pregnancy, and those feelings will probably subside in a few weeks. After all, in addition to the hormonal ups and downs you're going through, your life is changing in profound ways. And although you don't say whether you planned this pregnancy, many pregnant women initially feel stressed about how their pregnancy and the new baby will affect their careers and other obligations. Once the pregnancy is well under way and you've told friends and family, you'll probably feel more relaxed. If you're feeling nervous and worried about specific aspects of pregnancy or childbirth, you might be reassured by joining a support group in your area. Once again, don't forget that your obstetrician or midwife is a wonderful resource for discussing concerns and fears. If you feel you need to, you may want to schedule an appointment with a therapist to see whether counseling helps. In the meantime, you don't need to worry that the stress and nervousness you're feeling will harm your baby. Your baby is comfortable, protected, and well taken care of, even when you're feeling anxious and upset. * Editor's Note: A few studies have suggested that a high level of chronic stress can increase your risk for preterm labor or a low-birthweight baby. The theory is that severe stress can lead to the release of hormones that can trigger uterine contractions and preterm labor. Experts have also been studying occupational factors to see whether extremely physically demanding jobs or long working hours play a role. One study showed that women who had to stand for long periods (more than 40 hours per week) or had extremely tiring jobs were more likely to have preterm deliveries. If you feel like you're under unusual stress, consult your practitioner and ask for a referral to a therapist. |
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Single Family Voices - For Single Parents Online
Single Parent Forums
Pregnant and Alone
for all of us worry warts

