This post is part 3 of 4 of the stress in your high-risk pregnancy series, dedicated to highlighting the profound impact stress has on pregnancy and on your baby and what you can do about it. If you haven’t already, check out part 1 on what you need to know about stress and part 2 on how stress impacts your baby.
Did you know that you actually have a hand in determining how long you stay pregnant?
You might feel like mother nature or luck or your doctor is completely in charge of how your pregnancy goes.
But the reality is that factors in your control play a much bigger role than what is often shared with moms.
A research study published in 2008 showed that high levels of stress and anxiety during your first trimester actually sets the stage for preterm labor.
Let that sink in for a second.
Stress or anxiety, something that you can choose how to manage, can impact how long you stay pregnant. (Tweet that!)
This is not the only study that shows this.
Numerous researchers have have shown that moms who have high levels of chronic stress actually experience changes to their body and pregnancy that can impact how early the baby is born.
What that tells us is that you are not helpless in how your pregnancy progresses.
You can influence your pregnancy to help you stay pregnant for as long as possible. (Tweet that!)
This is great news!
Because the reality is prematurity is a huge problem.
From the financial burden of having a baby in the hospital to the emotional toll it takes on you as a parent for weeks or months on end, prematurity is a tremendous issue that needs a solution.
Ten percent of babies in the United States are born too soon.
And what that comes with is lifelong health problems for many of them such as lung disease, neurological problems, ADHD, motor delays and learning disabilities.
With prematurity being the leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, including in the United States, anything and everything you can do to reduce that risk is imperative for you and your baby.
Don't let stress and anxiety play a role in how long you stay pregnant.
You might not be able to control your how much your cervix funnels or whether you have protein in your urine but you can control how you cope with your high-risk pregnancy.
That could mean the difference between delivering at term or having a preemie in the NICU.
Are you ready to lower your risk of preterm birth?
If you're ready to do something about it email me and let's find a time to chat.
In just 15 minutes I can give you a powerful tip that you can Implement immediately to start lowering your stress during your pregnancy.
I will not give generic advice you can find on the internet but will tailor it to your specific situation. Every pregnancy and every mom is different and I am deeply committed to helping every mom lower her risk of delivering early.
If you're ready, email me right now and let's get you on the road to a healthier pregnancy and help your baby keep on cooking. [email me link again just like above]
Your turn!
Are you surprised by the connection between stress, anxiety and prematurity?
Leave your answers comments below. I would love to hear from you!