THUNAISetting the Right Blueprint for the Child, during Pregnancy
Stress during pregnancy can have significant impacts on both the mother and the developing foetus. We have heard about baby blues and postpartum depression. But we often overlook excessive prenatal stress, as we look to the joy of the baby’s arrival.
We know high levels of stress during pregnancy can lead to anxiety, depression, and overall poorer mental health of the mother. This can result in the mother not being able to take care of herself properly. Poor nutrition and sleep deprivation can affect the mother when her body is already undergoing many biological changes.
The baby is directly connected to the mother via the placenta. So, one may think that the stress hormone would affect the baby, right? Actually, the placenta has a miracle enzyme that breaks down the cortisol and protects the baby.
However, when the mother’s stress hormones are too high or stay high for a long period of time, then this protection gets impacted.
The blood flow to the baby is reduced. These factors have a direct impact on the brain development of the baby.
This baby can be born early (pre-term) and small (for its gestational age).
A “blueprint” that will last through the entire life of the baby is being set during pregnancy. This “blueprint” will affect the child’s future emotional development, intelligence, and motor-neuron development into adulthood.
There is even a higher risk of physical diseases such as diabetes and cardiac diseases.
The good news is we can help the mother set a good “blueprint”. The family can play a big role in helping her manage her other responsibilities - cooking and cleaning, other children taken care of, etc.
The family can also ensure she is sleeping well and has adequate nutrition. Family members should seek help for themselves if they are prone to anger or domestic violence. They have to realise they are affecting the future of the child as well.
The mother can be encouraged to attend perinatal classes to manage stressors and triggers. She can keep a mood/sleep journal to become more aware of how she is doing. We will address these steps in future articles.
Thunai is conducting free in-person sessions in Chennai and online sessions for mothers.
This is a growing and new field. We are only beginning to understand the role of prenatal stress in the child’s development.
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