Stress and baby

kiamh

So I know that high levels of stress can be harmful to baby. So I try to always stay calm, sleep well, etc...
But yesterday unfortunately was one of those days. And I was experiencing high levels of stress. And my stomach got really really really hard. And it stayed that way for awhile. It didn't hurt but I felt pressure on my lower abdomen.
Knowing that stress can harm my baby, I am concerned about what happened to my stomach. If anyone has ever heard of this I would love to hear your feed back.
I called my OB but haven't heard back yet. I'm 16 weeks with my first child.

DawnLilly

It's normally just a muscle spasm. I get mine in my shoulder when I get really stressed. It's more the stress hormones that are not good for baby, not our physical responses like clenched teeth and muscle spasms. Try to drink more water to get it loosened up and then do something for just you.

rels09

It could very well have been a contraction. Your uterus contracts regularly, even when you are not pregnant. I had a contraction during my NT scan, which no one batted an eye at. As long as they are not coming at regular intervals or causing pain, it's nothing to worry about, but do take care of yourself!

Hconner3

I know stress can cause stomach issues like gas, bloat, and discomfront. Maybe the stomach hardness was just that.. Sorry cant be more helpful.

Hawk&Eye

I feel you on stress, with this pregnancy, I feel like I'm not handling stress nearly as well. I agree, you need to find something just for you to get rid of some of it. I actually had acupuncture yesterday and immediately felt better...it could have very well been that I was in a dark room, soft music, and focused just on me for a half hour. Take care of yourself, mama!

kiamh

Okay that makes me feel much better! Thank you so much #:-S

tinyjoys

It could have been a braxton hicks, yes, even at 16 weeks. If it happens again, try a glass of water and laying down for a few minutes.

MrsPDX

I am under so much stress this pregnancy, I kept asking the midwives about it and they all said babies are resilient. They were more worried about my well-being, than how it was affecting the baby. So I wouldn't stress about stress affecting the baby...

mh238911

I had the same thing happen when I was stressed about a super critical patient the other night! I listened to baby on my doppler the next morning and she was just fine. Buy yourself a doppler- it helps me worry less.

a316b

Smilz4782 said:

tinyjoys said:

It could have been a braxton hicks, yes, even at 16 weeks. If it happens again, try a glass of water and laying down for a few minutes.

This was my thought. Stress causes you to tense up and the uterus is a muscle so not at all strange that it could tense up in a BH IMO.

I had 2 BH today. I take it as a sign from my body to slow down and drink more water. (17.5 wks)

With preg #2 i got them 16 weeks and on, pretty consistently.

If mention to your doc.