How to relieve stress during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be stressful – research suggests that unborn babies of women who are stressed during pregnancy may suffer from health problems later in life, and can be affected from as early as 17 weeks gestation.  Dr Wendy Teo, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore gives tips on how women can enjoy a stress-free pregnancy.

The effect of stress on pregnancy

A moderate level of stress is normal for most women, especially in a place like Singapore where city life keeps women constantly on the go. But when you add pregnancy into the equation, a woman’s stress level can spike. “Just being pregnant can make some women stressed as they deal with worries about the baby, concerns about impending labour, as well as the effect of hormones on her changing body,” Dr Teo says.

Unfortunately, as the anxiety surrounding giving birth increases, the health of the expecting mother can suffer. “Stress and anxiety leads to an increased risk of pre- and post-natal depression,” Dr Teo says. “It also lowers immunity, resulting in the expecting mother falling sick more often and having an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes later in the pregnancy.”

Just as anxious mothers-to-be are prone to infections, babies who experience  a high-stress environment in the womb often have lowered immunity and a higher risk of intrauterine infections. “The stress hormones that are produced in the mother’s body constrict blood vessels, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the baby,” says Dr Teo. “Foetuses of highly stressed mothers have been associated with an increased risk of chronic lung disease, developmental delays, learning problems, and even premature delivery,” she says.

How to reduce stress during pregnancy

The goal of any anxiety reduction strategy is for the expecting mother to decrease the level of stress hormones in her body. Getting enough rest and relaxation is essential, advises Dr Teo, as so many women neglect to reserve enough time to take care of themselves.

It’s imperative that pregnant women also eat well, stay hydrated and exercise regularly to boost the ‘feel good’ effect of extra pheromones in the body, Dr Teo says. “It is important to ensure a sufficient intake of omega fatty acids, as an insufficiency has been associated with depression,” she adds.

In light of the fact that just being pregnant can be a source of anxiety for many women, Dr Teo advises her patients to share their concerns with their spouse, friends or colleagues. Trying to find the cause of the stress goes a long way in trying to alleviate it, she says.

“Reading up on pregnancy or attending antenatal classes are useful for mothers if fear of the unknown is bothering them,” says Dr Teo. “Being knowledgeable about what to expect in labour or when breastfeeding will make new mothers more confident and less worried about what is to come.”

Dr Wendy Teo graduated from medical school at the National University of Singapore (NUS) before furthering her training at the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Kingdom. Upon graduation, Dr Teo went on to specialise in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and trained extensively in laparoscopy and urogynaecological surgery at Singapore's Kendang Kerbau Hospital (KKH). During her tenure at KKH, Dr Teo was actively involved in research and assumed the role of clinical tutor to medical students from the National University of Singapore. She now has her own practice in Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and has been practising for more than 10 years. Dr Teo firmly believes that a strong focus on patient care will yield the best possible outcomes. She has a special interest in the treatment of fertility issues.

Mount Elizabeth Hospital
3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: +65 6250 0000

Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563
Tel: +65 6898 6898
www.mountelizabeth.com.sg