5 things to know about stress in pregnancy and postpartum.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are transformative phases in a woman's life, marked by profound physical and emotional changes. Amidst the joy and anticipation, these stages can also bring about stress, which, if not managed properly, can have significant implications for both the mother and the baby.

From the influence of nutrition to the intricate workings of cortisol, here I’ve outlined five lesser-known ways that stress can affect a woman’s body and mind during this crucial time, and included a few tips on supporting your nervous system and managing stress during this period.

1. Lack of nutrients in pregnancy can impact cortisol levels

During pregnancy and postpartum, your nutritional needs increase significantly, especially in the third trimester and early postpartum period. Not eating enough or inadequate nutrition causes physical stress on the body that can raise cortisol (also called the stress hormone, an essential hormone in the body secreted by the adrenal glands) levels for a prolonged period until the nutritional deficit is corrected. This can impact the baby’s development as well as the mother’s energy, motivation, mood and mental well-being.

2. Stress and inflammation

Research shows that stressful experiences trigger inflammation, the immune system’s natural response to external dangers. While inflammation is necessary for healing, chronic inflammation, caused by prolonged stress, has been associated with many health problems such as the inability to lose weight, accelerated aging, hair loss, postpartum anxiety and depression, and gestational diabetes. Postpartum depletion is also a direct result of chronic stress over a longer period. A direct link is also established between stress and joint problems since chronic stress and misdirected inflammation are associated with all types of arthritis and may even present many years after your baby is born.

3. Stress lowers bone density

As we enter our reproductive years and then our perimenopause and menopause, our bone density becomes crucial to our physical health. Stress, especially prolonged stress, affects bone density, which is vital for overall health. Short-term stress floods chemicals into our bloodstream, specifically the hormone cortisol, which provides the brain and the body a momentary boost to respond to a situation.

However, if stress continues over an extended time, the same biological components that boost certain abilities can end up harming our mental, emotional and physical health. This can also impact our growing baby and our gut microbiome, which is crucial for setting our babies up with healthy bacteria.

4. Adrenal fatigue

The adrenal glands need to be functioning correctly for the mother to adapt to stress and maintain good health. However, with prolonged stress, the adrenals begin to produce excess cortisol. Over time, this affects the body’s ability to respond to stress appropriately, known as Adrenal Fatigue, impacting overall health and well-being.

5. How maternal cortisol can impact your baby

Studies have shown that elevated cortisol can impact both babies in the womb and during breastfeeding, with a higher impact observed in breastfed babies than formula-fed ones. Elevated maternal cortisol, whether during pregnancy or breastfeeding, can affect the baby's temperament.

This is the case with my two babies. With my firstborn, I had a calm pregnancy and a beautiful postpartum. His temperament is chilled. My pregnancy with Harlow was during the pandemic. I had suffered a miscarriage, and then my partner was made redundant, so we had to move without notice during my postpartum period. Her temperament was NOT chill! I can 100% understand why this was the case for her. Motherhood, to me, is the constant need to regulate myself before I can attempt to be my best and look after my family.

Tip: The quickest, most effective, low-cost way to reset your nervous system is through the power of breath. When you’re lying in bed and can't sleep or if you are having a tough moment with your baby/child or even just upon waking, try this: Breathe in deeply down into the belly. Breathe in for 4 counts slowly: 1, 2, 3, 4, then, slowly exhale for 6 counts, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Repeat this 3-5 times. This should take the edge off your stress levels and leave you feeling relaxed.

References:

Confirmed: Stress Reduces Bone Density - Save our Bones, October 20, 2012
Stress and Osteoporosis - Orthopaedic Associates, May 9, 2011
Correlation between maternal and infant cortisol varies by breastfeeding status.
Human Milk Cortisol is Associated With Infant Temperament