The Birth Ease Podcast
002 The Impacts of Stress
In this second episode, Michelle sets the foundation; she explains what she means by "noise" in the podcast introduction and exactly what stress is and the impacts it has. Michelle shares how stress can affect our ability to conceive a child, as well as cause pregnancy complications and preterm birth. If a mother is experiencing chronic or intense acute stress, then it will actually interfere with the wiring of the unborn baby's brain. During the birth, stress and fear can cause labor to slow or stall. Michelle shares measures to help make the transition from the womb into the world less stressful for the baby. Stressful life events can be a factor in developing postpartum depression as well.
Michelle reassures listeners that women undergoing acute or chronic stress can have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies, but it is vital to reduce our stress as much as possible and find coping skills and techniques to help. Please check out the next episode. We will be discussing ways to mitigate stress and elicit the relaxation response. It will include a bonus guided relaxation session that is valuable for anyone that has a child or children in their life, no matter the age of the child.
“Stress can impact us, our relationships, and our bodies. There is help in the form of resources, techniques, and coping skills.” — Michelle Smith
Connect with Michelle Smith:
Episode References:
Interview with Thomas Verny, MD on the 2019 Better Birth 360 Summit hosted by Nicholas Olow
Newsweek Special Edition: Your Baby's Brain 2015 "Keep Calm and Carry On"
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