To what extent can stress lead to miscarriage?

To what extent can stress lead to miscarriage?

Pregnant women should pay attention to physical and mental health

In many cases, a miscarriage is unavoidable because, for example, a genetic defect in the embryo has caused the miscarriage, the miscarriage. Nevertheless, experts also see stress as a risk factor in terms of pregnancy . Studies suggest that excessive stress increases the likelihood of miscarriage or premature birth . In particular, chronic stress and extreme stress situations favor a miscarriage. However, in most cases no direct correlation is detectable, since many different factors are involved. Many women carry their children normal and healthy in spite of stress. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid and reduce stress during pregnancy, as far as possible.

 Pregnant woman stressed at work

How stress affects the pregnancy

A short-term or rather minor stress usually has no influence on the pregnancy. From a fright by sudden noise, a stressful day in the job or trouble in the traffic is expected rather no disturbance of the pregnancy. The situation is different with continuous stress or extremely stressful occurrences. This shows an increased rate of miscarriage. For example, the following events can put a huge strain on a pregnant woman:

Constant fears or depression

• Deaths in a close personal environment
• Crime, violence, terror, disasters
• significant difficulties in the partnership, divorce
• Night and shift work
• ongoing pressure in the professional life
• financial hardship
• previous miscarriages

As soon as people are under tension, the body starts to release the hormones adrenalin and norepinephrine. When the stressful situation comes to an end, these hormones become less again and the body can recover. However, stressful and grueling conditions often persist for days or even weeks. Under permanent tension, a third hormone, cortisol, is released to a greater extent. Above all, cortisol causes the level of progesterone in the blood to drop. However, progesterone, the so-called corpus luteum hormone, is of enormous importance for pregnancy. If this hormone is too low in the blood, premature labor can be triggered. If the fetus is already well developed, there is a risk of premature birth, However, if the progesterone level is too low in the first few months of pregnancy, the child will not be able to survive and miscarriage may occur. Through further connections with different body-own substances the placenta (mother cake) can be damaged. The immune system is also weakened by massive stress and it comes more to infections that can cause a miscarriage.

In addition, in some pregnant women, the stress leads to a behavior that has a negative effect on the health: they drink because of mental pressure alcohol, smoke, take drugs or take other risks. This must be avoided for the benefit of the child and to maintain the pregnancy.

Avoid stress during pregnancy

Stress is primarily assessed and felt subjectively. People who are under constant tension often have the following symptoms:

• Fatigue, tiredness
• Sleep disorders , insomnia
• Irritability, aggressiveness
• Nervousness, restlessness
• concentration problems
• weak immune system
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Heartburn and other gastrointestinal complaints
• a headache
• back pain
• Loss of libido

These are just a few signs that can occur either together or only occasionally.

In order not to endanger the pregnancy, one should reduce the stress and consciously take a break if necessary. The following tips can help reduce stress levels in different situations.

Stress at work

If the professional life costs too much strength and nerves, one should talk to the employer. If there is no solution, a doctor's visit can help solve the problem. This can issue a certificate up to a prohibition of employment, so that the pregnant woman is no longer allowed to work.

Mental stress

Family problems or quarrels with the partner can affect the body so much that it causes a miscarriage. If problems can not be solved at present, the pregnant women should refrain from doing so. Family counseling centers or trained psychologists may help with coping with the problems.

Deliberately reduce stress

It helps many women to counteract stress physically. Yoga , meditation or relaxation techniques are suitable for relaxing mentally and physically.

Physical effort

During pregnancy, one should not overwork physically. This includes, among other things, heavy lifting. For example, if heavy bottles or boxes are to be worn, pregnant women should ask their partner, friends or relatives for help.