I am 32 and 1/2 weeks pregnant. My husabnd is an active duty Marine. He has recently started his pre-deployment training. He is my support through our whole pregnancy. I have to send him a red cross message when i go into labor while he is in training. Anyway, with him gone, and no ability to contact him at all, it makes me feel so alone and for the past 4 days since he left, i havent been able to stop crying. I cant keep my mind of his absence because everything in our house reminds me of how much i miss him. But i cannot wander too far from the house in case i go into labor. I am a high risk pregnancy due to my RH – situation. I have had an extremely healthy pregnancy so far, this is my first bump in the road. Does anyone have any advice, or know anything about the effects of stress and depression on a 32 week pregnancy? I appreciate your help.

Husbands grandfather just died, I have 2 kids now, pregnant about 8 weeks, lots of stress and problems with anxiety. Started spotting, no tissue or not heavy just spotting. I am seeing a DR in the morning or earlier if I develop pain or heavier bleeding, just curious to know if anyone has ever heard of the stress or anxiety to cause bleeding in pregnancy?!!?!?!?!

I know stress is bad and everything but sometimes its not controllable. I just want to know if anyone went through it real bad and still had a happy and healthy baby. I am not really the one under stress so please dont advice me to take it easy.
Thanks so much

Many mothers during pregnancy face extremely stressful circumstances. Pregnancy is a nine month journey for both you and your baby. Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks (about 9 months). Stress-related changes in a pregnant woman’s heart rate and blood pressure, along with chronic anxiety, can affect the heart rate of her developing fetus, a new study concludes. Maternal stress during pregnancy is also found to cause of asymmetry in coordination of ears, fingers, feet, elbows, etc. Maternal stress is also linked with imperfections in the developing nervous system which can lead to problems of perception, thinking, and memory. These mothers experience constant stress, shame, loneliness and, sometimes, clinical depression during pregnancy or after giving birth. Their partners or families may not encourage them to seek help because the problem it is not seen as a medical one. There are many negative side effects of stress during pregnancy. Very high levels of stress may contribute to an increased risk of premature delivery or low birth weight babies. Still other studies suggest that overly high stress levels can increase your heart rate, blood pressure and produce chronic anxiety.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder also known as PTSD is a form of anxiety that can occur after the exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm happened or was threatened.

Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include:

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What’s the cause of nervous exhaustion? Chronic stress. When you experience stress, your body produces adrenal hormones that excite your nervous system. Whether you’re late paying the mortgage or a Bengal tiger is chasing you, the result is the same – rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and emotional agitation. On a short-term basis, this is a good thing because it is your body’s method of self-preservation.

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Stress can be a major contributor to an anxiety or panic condition or the trigger that will start anxiety disorders. For many people who have personalities that are predisposed to anxiety, stressful events or the accumulation of stressful events over a relatively short period of time can lead to anxiety symptoms.

As our economy becomes increasingly perilous, more and more people are struggling with anxiety. You are not alone! Millions of Americans are grappling with panic attacks, extreme anxiety and the negative effects of these conditions. The symptoms can be frightening and contribute to depression and more trouble with your job or family. 
 
To determine whether your stress load has become too much, think back over the past year or two of your life. Think about the events or changes in your life that may have contributed to your stress level. Individual events or changes may not have been overwhelming by themselves but when they are coupled with other events, the cumulative effect may be major.  

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