Stress, pregnancy, and preterm labor.

JDS524 · 08-31-2009, 06:36 PM

I have a question for you ladies. I am under a great deal of stress recently (due to the death of one of our dogs and going through foreclosure). I have been having a lot of BH and I think it might be from all the stress. DH and my doctor have told me that high levels of stress can lead to preterm labor. Everyone keeps telling me to "Not stress and not think about it" but its not that easy. Our baby is due in 84 days and I don't even know if we will have a place to live. Anyway, now on top of that I am worrying that my stress will cause the baby to be born early or have some kind of complication.

I have been praying so hard but everything seems to be getting worse. Everyday there is something else that goes wrong.

I was just wondering if anyone had been through anything similar and what helped you? And did you make it full term with your baby?

Thank you.

jcaruso4316 · 08-31-2009, 06:50 PM

I was under a terrible amount of stress in my pregnancy with my dd. I did go into preterm labor at 32 weeks and had several hospital visits. I was diagnosed with an "irritable" uterus. I have a very strong feeling that my stressors were linked to preterm labor because once I was away from them, I didn't have any more contractions. So, drink lots of water, lay on your left side, and most importantly, keep in touch with your OB! You can certainly prevent the preterm labor. I wonder too if you could get a medication prescribed to you to help ease the stress (sedative/tranquilizer). I know that most people frown upon taking these medications, but I most certainly wish in hindsight that I was prescribed something that would help my nerves and anxiety in my last pregnancy. Please feel free to send me a private message if you'd like more information.

Best wishes,
Jenny

Vern · 08-31-2009, 06:53 PM

During my pregnancy my little dog was almost killed when attacked by a big dog, my mom became ill and she subsequently died and I was left in charge at work when my boss took a 2 month leave. So I had alot of strress that was unavoidable. One thing someone pointed out to me was that all my actions were being done out of love and caring for this baby. It gave me another way of thinking about my actions in a positive light instead of just feeling like a stressball.

dachshundqueen · 08-31-2009, 07:07 PM

I had my first a month early due to a combo of extraordinarily high stress and a nasty fibroid.

There are lots of things you can do to counter lifestyle stress though.

Liz