Although pregnancy can be a life-changing experience, it can also present serious relational, emotional, and financial difficulties. Can stress, particularly from relationships or money, really raise the risk of miscarriage? This is a question that many expectant moms have.
Dr Astha Dayal shared some insightful latest scientific evidence reveals and how you can protect your well-being during this crucial time.
How Stress Impacts Pregnancy?
Dr Astha says in some Research consistently shows that psychological stress, including relationship and financial stress, is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
According to a thorough meta-analysis, women who experienced psychological stress were 42% more likely to miscarry than women who did not. In particular, stress at work alone raised the risk by 27%.
Types of Stress That Matter Most
• Relationship Stress: Personal relationship conflict or instability can raise stress hormones dramatically, which might affect the course of a pregnancy.
• Financial Stress: Concerns about money, expenses, or job stability are powerful stresses that have been connected to an increased chance of miscarriage.
• Major Life Events: A higher risk of miscarriage and other unfavorable outcomes is linked to events like divorce, job loss, or bereavement, particularly if they take place early in pregnancy.
Timing and Duration: Why Early Pregnancy Is Critical
“The first 3 weeks following conception, a crucial period when the groundwork for pregnancy is laid, and when the effects of stress are most noticeable. This risk is further increased by prolonged or chronic stress over an extended period of time.” Dr Astha Dayal says
Pre-existing Risk Factors that you need to know
Certain factors can make the negative effects of stress even more pronounced:
- Previous miscarriage: If you have already suffered a miscarriage, stress may increase your chances of experiencing another loss by twofold.
- Existing medical conditions: Stress can increase the risk when it interacts with reproductive problems or chronic illnesses.
What Does the Science Say?
A 2017 meta-analysis summarized:
- Overall psychological stress increases miscarriage risk by 42% (Odds Ratio 1.42).
- Work-related stress increases risk by 27% (Odds Ratio 1.27).
- The association is strongest when comparing women who miscarried to those who had a live birth (Odds Ratio 2.82)12.
How does stress affect the body during pregnancy?
Stress causes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to become active, which raises cortisol and other hormone levels.
These hormonal shifts have the potential to cause early pregnancy failure by interfering with the production of progesterone, a hormone necessary for sustaining pregnancy, and changing immunological responses.
Managing Stress for a Healthier Pregnancy
Given the evidence, managing stress is not just beneficial for your mental health but may also reduce the risk of miscarriage and other complications. Here are some strategies:
- Seek emotional support: Talk to your partner or Husband, family, or a mental health professional or psychologist.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Try to do yoga, meditation, and deep breathing on a regular basis; that can help you to regulate stress hormones.
- Prioritize self-care: Dr. Astha always says for better pregnancy outcomes, all women need to go for adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and gentle exercise, which are vital.
- Structured psychological assessment: Psychological well-being tests should be included of early pregnancy visits in order to detect and treat stress early.
Takeaway
While not all miscarriages are preventable, reducing psychological and environmental stress—especially in early pregnancy—can lower the risk of pregnancy loss. If you have a history of miscarriage or ongoing stressors, consult your gynaecologist for tailored support.
About Dr. Astha Dayal:
Dr. Astha Dayal is a leading gynaecologist-obstetrician (Director -OBGYN at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram), Robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, and founder of Disha Clinic, one of the top gynaecology treatment centres in Gurgaon.
She specializes in advanced procedures including robotic surgery, aesthetic and regenerative gynaecology, water birthing, PCOS management, infertility, and uro-gynaecology treatments.
Remember: If you’re experiencing stress during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Reach out for support—your health and your baby’s health are worth it.
References:
