Although the trip to bring new life into the world is beautiful and miraculous, it can also be stressful. Although stress is common during pregnancy, about 25% of women experience the type of extreme stress that interferes with their lives day to day. A new study finds that pregnant women who experience this type of stress are more likely to give birth to premature and low weight babies.
Researchers at Tilburg University in the Netherlands found that stress during pregnancy carries significant risks for the child. 8% of women who were depressed or anxious during their pregnancy delivered their premature baby. In addition, women who experience high stress levels are more likely to give birth to underweight babies.
"The babies of pregnant women who reported high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms are at greater risk," said Eva Loomans, a researcher who worked on the study.
The study highlights the need for testing and stress testing for pregnant women. The researchers believe that the treatment of anxiety and depression in pregnant women lead to healthier births.