What most people already know is that whatever pregnant mothers consume as well as their activity levels and overall health condition contributes to affecting the unborn baby’s growth and development. It may also be common to hear people talk about how pregnant mothers should be happy all of the time and resist giving in to despondency.
Well, if you assume that it’s only a saying, it’s not. Research has shown that a mother’s emotional state does have an impact on a fetus that is six months or older. The emotions you feel during your pregnancy also plays a big role in determining your baby’s behaviour and perception of life in the future when they grow up.
Causes of Crying during Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and constantly feel yourself tearing up over no apparent reason, don’t worry. You’re not alone as it is a common thing that happens to most pregnant women.
- Fluctuating hormones
The constant change in the levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is expected to stoke pregnancy emotions. That would lead to crying without any provocation at all.
- Stress
There will be stress during pregnancy here and there and it is inevitable. It can be caused by many aspects, for instance, from a doctor’s visit, work, family relationships or your older children.
- Stretch marks
All pregnant mothers will have a few stretch marks on their body. It usually fades with time but seeing it for the first time may be appalling and cause you to tear up.
- Feeling uncomfortable
Physical discomfort is to be expected during pregnancy, it will include sores and aches as well as not being able to sleep well due to the size of your stomach. This can lead to frustration and you may result in crying every now and then.
- Pregnancy milestones
Some memorable moments like hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time, seeing your baby in an ultrasound scan for the first time, feeling your baby’s kick for the first time and more will easily make you burst into tears.
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How It Affects Your Baby
- If you’re stressed
Pregnancy is not easy and mothers are bound to have stressful days. Occasional stress will not harm your baby in any way. But if you have chronic anxiety and stress, it will cause the production of stress hormone which can be passed on to your baby through the placenta. If your baby is always exposed to this while in the womb, then you might end up with an anxious and colicky baby.
- If you’re depressed
Depression is not uncommon for pregnant women but it is not good for your baby as it can leave an adverse impact on them in the future. Babies born to mothers who are clinically depressed are found likely to experience depression themselves as adults besides being afflicted by emotional setbacks.
- If you resent your pregnancy
If you’re upset about the pregnancy or resent the baby for putting you through the physical pain and emotional rollercoaster, that is not good at all. In cases like this, children of mothers like this are more likely to develop emotional problems in childhood.
- If you have occasional bad days
An occasional stressful or depressing day is okay during pregnancy. It would be absolutely unreasonable to expect that a mother will be completely happy despite the pain and discomfort with so much going on mentally and physically for the duration of nine months. This occasional stress will not affect the growth and development of your baby.
What You Can Do
- Let out any negative feelings by talking to a close friend, family member or your significant other.
- Get professional help if you’re experiencing more than occasional stress or depression to deal with the problem in the best way.
- Change your lifestyle by practising some yoga or meditation with the guidance of a qualified instructor.
- Eat healthy and nutritious food to distract yourself from negative thoughts or emotions.
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