Tia, who is pregnant with her fourth child, recently separated from her husband. She is currently taking care of three children under the age of 7, working two part-time jobs, and is experiencing significant financial hardship. What are the risks of chronic stress on the developing fetus? What can Tia do to minimize the risk of stress on pregnancy?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Chronic and severe stress during pregnancy poses a number of risks, including low birth weight, premature birth, and a longer postpartum hospital stay. Pregnant women who experienced one or more negative life events in the past 5 months are more likely to have a spontaneous miscarriage. Long-term exposure to stress hormones in utero is also associated with higher levels of stress hormones in newborns and may lead the newborn to be more irritable, active, and have difficulties in sleep, digestion, and self-regulation. In addition, prenatal exposure to stress hormones is associated with a higher risk of displaying anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and aggression. To protect herself and her developing fetus from the effects of stress, Tia should seek out social support from family and/or friends.