It has always been said that during pregnancy it is very important to remain in good spirits because failing to do so can cause you to have an irritable baby. While in many cases those words of advice are received, there are some instances where that is taken very lightly. This article expounds on the effect of anxiety, stress and depression on infants and children during gestation. There are various contributors to stress and depression amongst pregnant women, many in which are everyday occurrences. Per Schetter and Tanner (2015) stressors like racism, discrimination in the workplace and problems in our intimate relationships are all common stressors that can result into negative outcomes like low birthweight (LBW) and pre-term birth (PTB). …show more content…
Any of the listed conditions are can be detrimental to the long-term health of a child.
Anxiety in pregnancy is associated with shorter gestation and has adverse implications for fetal neurodevelopment and child outcomes. Furthermore, anxiety about a pregnancy seems to be especially potent. Finally, chronic strain, exposure to racism, and depressive symptoms in mothers during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight infants with consequences for development as well. (Schatter and Tanner 2015)
This excerpt explains that there are multiple contributors to stress and anxiety for the average women. Lack of medical attention when experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions can lead to negative long-term effects on a child.
Actual Resolution
The most effective resolution to anxiety, stress or depression during pregnancy would be to learn how to manage symptoms when those triggers present themselves. Seeing as though many of the common influences that contribute these conditions are factors of everyday life for some women, they neglect seeking medical attention for it. To resolve these issues effectively expecting mothers must be educated on the indicators of these ailments. Also, effective family planning may decrease the stress levels concerning preparedness for
Duman, N., & Kocak, C. (2013). The effect of social support on state anxiety levels during pregnancy. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 41(7), 1153-1163. doi:10.2224/sbp.2013.41.7.1153
One issue that is a big factor causing this is stress caused by racism. According to “Can Stress Cause Premature Labor?” By Cherly Bird, RN. Chronic stress is a stressful situation occurs and is not resolved, or reoccurs. The body is not able to cope with the stressful situation and does not return to normal. Studies show that moms with more stress are more likely to go into labor early, so we can say that stress increases a mom's risk of premature labor. When you are stressed the body can react in different ways, either with blood pressure or hormones. Some things that can help control the stress is counseling, talking about how you feel can help. Also, exercising, or complimentary therapies are a good way to help be more relaxed during a pregnancy.
After giving birth, women will have hormonal oscillations (Rosequist). In the meanwhile, their bodies are getting back to their normal state, however if that “blues” does not go away, it can evolve in a deep depression. As she recalls, saying: “And yet I cannot be with him, it make me so nervous”(Gilman), it is obvious that Post-Partum depression is the cause of her poor attachment with the child; the mother can be hazardous to the baby; mood swing occur, and in extremes circumstances, about 1 in 1,000, it can bring psychotic indications (Hilts). If this condition if left untreated, it can cause serious psychological and physical damages. Treatment would include anti-depressants and therapy. This can also trigger other types of mental
Pregnancies are often correlated with the assumption that it will bring happiness to the household and ignite feelings of love between the couple. What remains invisible is how the new responsibilities of caring and communicating with the baby affects the mother; and thus, many women experience a temporary clinical depression after giving birth which is called postpartum depression (commonly known as postnatal depression) (Aktaş & Terzioğlu, 2013).
Postpartum depression is indeed a major psychological disorder that can affect the relationship between mother and baby. At this time, the cause of postpartum depression is unidentified, although several factors experienced during pregnancy can contribute to this disorder. Fluctuating hormone levels have been traditionally blamed for the onset of postpartum depression. Jennifer Marie Camp (2013), a registered nurse with a personal history of postpartum depression, states in the Intentional Journal of Childbirth Education that “current research demonstrates that PPD may be a compilation of numerous stressors encountered by the family, including biochemical, genetic, psychosocial factors and everyday life stress” (Camp, 2013, p. 1). A previous history of depression, depression during pregnancy, financial difficulties, a dif...
Although there are many factors that affect the development of the fetus, research on the specific effects of prenatal maternal stress and the resulting negative outcomes for the development of the fetus will be reviewed. While there is knowledge of these harmful effects in scientific and medical communities, researchers are still in the midst of discovering the results of these negative effects on human development. An overall review of the literature suggests that this topic is still relatively new in research as most of the articles make note that despite the amount of current research studies, there are still many unanswered questions.
Modercin-McCarthy M. A., McCue S., Walker J. Preterm infants and stress: A tool for the neonatal nurse. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs, 1997; 10, 62-71.
Emotional along with physical domain in prenatal stage is necessary for the growth of the baby (Watson & McDonald, 2007). Pregnancy is the time from contraception prior to after birth, is established to be a major part of a person’s life which will carry a great deal of challenges not just for ...
Huizink, A. C., Robles de Medina, P. G., Mulder, E. J., Visser, G. H., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2003). Stress during pregnancy is associated with developmental outcome in infancy. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44(6), 810-818.
Stress is plenty and more for me even at this phase in my pregnancy. As a soon to be mother I have to consider what I am going to do about school, work, and life. In four months it is not going to be just me it is going to be my baby and me. The fear that rings in my mind when I think of being called mom is almost deafening. I did not mean to get pregnant but I did take the chance therefore, I must take the responsibility.
Poster, E. (1984). Human Responses to Child Bearing. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 6(3), 99. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.
The chosen health improvement initiative that is going to be studied within this community profile is reducing the amount of teenage pregna...
The most prevalent is prenatal mother stress, which is chronic stress that is present before the baby is even born (Christian, Iams, Porter, & Leblebicioglu, 2013). Prenatal mother stress can cause problems in children. Stress hormones take a toll on the body and may cause many serious problems in pregnancy. Cortisol has been seen to be a mediator. Different types of stressors show different problems in the health of pregnant women.
This journal was useful for me because it gave me the background details on why women are opting for delayed motherhood by the age of 30 or 40. Accordingly, I was able to build up my points on how it will affect the health conditions of both baby and mother and also the risk of taking that challenge.
Since pregnant women may experience a lot of stress and mood swings,