Pregnancy stress has been linked to negative health effects such as lower birth weight, autism and other birth defects and pregnancy complications in past studies. However, a new study suggests that there is a benefit to experiencing pregnancy stress: it can help make the newborn baby tougher.
The research -- conducted by a team of psychologists at the University of Basel and published in the journal "Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience" -- involved the study of the effects of pregnancy stress hormones in both the mother and the newborn child. The study findings suggest that pregnancy stress is linked to epigenetic adaptations in babies, which makes the activation of oxytocin much easier.
"This mechanism could indicate that in these cases, the babies adapt to develop more resilience to cope with future challenges and adversities," the University of Basel reports. The study involved examining 100 mothers and their babies during and after their pregnancy.
Pregnancy stress? A new study says baby is biologically programmed to bounce back. https://t.co/fywpDeClsk pic.twitter.com/3DtDqjFSoj
— The Bump (@thebump) May 16, 2016
The researchers collected umbilical cord blood from the newborns and observed for cortisol in the saliva of the mothers -- which is considered as a pregnancy stress hormone. The research team also analyzed the mental health, emotional wellbeing and life experiences of the mothers during their pregnancy.
The results show epigenetic adaptation and oxytocin activation in the newborn babies, which are considered as protective mechanisms against mental and physical diseases. However, the study's scope was limited only during the newborn phase. In other words, long-term benefits of pregnancy stress were not analyzed by the researchers, according to Fit Pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are different ways for women to cope with pregnancy stress. These include getting adequate rest, focusing on caring for the baby, sharing your thoughts and feelings to family and friends, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting a massage, getting more education about giving birth, performing meditations, taking it easier on your work and treating yourself once in a while, Baby Centre shares.
