DiPietro emphasized, however, that extreme stress is dangerous for both a pregnant woman and her child. The women in this study did not have any major mental health problems or anxiety disorders. Moderate stress, like that reported by the women in the study, would include mostly the stress that is a natural part of a demanding lifestyle, such as work, family and at home responsibilities.
The reason a little stress is beneficial, however, is still unknown. Stress is known to cause the body to produce certain chemicals, which does influence organ growth and development, wrote DiPietro in Child Development. However, there may be something much simpler at play.
"It may be that women who are stressed during pregnancy push themselves more, and maybe they also push their children," said DiPietro.
In other words, a mother who reports some degree of stress during pregnancy may simply be the type of person who is more likely to push themselves to achieve. Whether this determination is passed on genetically to a woman's child or the mom herself pushes her infant to learn, is unknown, but poses a reasonable explanation for the findings.
It's also important to realize that too much stress can be a bad thing, so DiPietro reminds all expectant mothers that they shouldn't seek out stress thinking they'll have a healthier child. "If you're so stressed and anxious that it's affecting your ability to live your life, that will trickle down once your child is born," she said. Getting adequate rest even in the middle of a busy schedule is important to prepare you for childbirth.
But, "you don't have to worry about worrying," DePietro added.
