While many believe there is no scientific evidence to support that stress can cause miscarriage, a new study is claiming otherwise.
Researchers from China and the United Kingdom have found that women who have experienced chronic stress had higher chance of miscarriage.
Taking into account findings from eight earlier studies, they found that women who worried long-term about money, marital problems, work demands and other psychologically stressful experiences had a 42 percent higher chance of miscarriage.
How does stress affect miscarriage risk?
Stress causes the body to release hormones that could harm the “biochemical pathways” that are essential to making sure a woman has a healthy pregnancy.
Medical Daily reports that the study’s authors claim that this applies to stress experienced before and during pregnancy.
Though more research is needed to fully understand the effects of stress on pregnant women, this alone is enough for moms-to-be and healthcare providers to prioritize emotional and psychological evaluations during check-ups as well as physical assessment.
Some miscarriages happen even before pregnancy is confirmed.
“A lot of (miscarriages happen before women realize they’re pregnant,” Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, shared with Everyday Health. “I tell women they’re very common, and potentially up to a third of women will experience a miscarriage at some point in their lives.”
Other risks of miscarriage are drinking alcohol, smoking, as well as being over the age of 40. History of miscarriage may be a factor, depending on the cause, but conception as early as two weeks of pregnancy loss is still possible.
“Only after two or more miscarriages does the risk of a future miscarriage increase,” Dr. Prager added.
Be sure to consult your OB-Gynecologist about your thoughts and feelings just as often as you open up to them about physical symptoms. Pregnancy affects your body, mind, and heart. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get help. Knowing how addressing something that’s often overlooked, like stress, can make a world of difference.
sources: Medical Daily, Everyday Health, BabyMed.com
READ: Can this common vitamin really prevent miscarriages and birth defects?
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