Why Does Stress Affect Your Baby During Labour?
Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol when you are under stress. These hormones prepare your body for a “fight or flight” response. They can also cause the following effects in your body if levels rise too high:- They can narrow your blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the uterus and placenta
- Your baby may receive a limited amount of oxygen for short periods
- Your baby’s heart rate may be erratic due to high stress hormones
What Is a Normal Baby Heartbeat During Labour?
Your baby’s heartbeat is the most important sign of their health during delivery. A normal foetal heart rate ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). If the heartbeat becomes too fast (tachycardia, over 160 bpm) or too slow (bradycardia, below 110 bpm), it may indicate that your baby is under stress.Therefore, your doctor will monitor it continuously or intermittently throughout the labour.
In this article:
How Does Emotional Stress Translate to Physical Changes?
The thing about emotional stress is that it affects your body as well as your mind.- Your breathing may become shallow, which can reduce oxygen levels
- Your contractions feel more painful because the muscles are tensed
- The labour progress can slow down due to a rise in adrenaline, influencing your baby’s oxygen levels
What Are the Warning Signs That Stress May Be Affecting the Baby?
The medical team monitors your baby’s heartbeat during labour, but you can also look out for the following warning signs:- Irregular decrease in the baby’s heartbeat
- Slower recovery after contractions
- Decrease in foetal movements before labour starts
Can Stress Delay or Complicate Labour?
High stress can slow down your labour progress, as adrenaline can interfere with oxytocin, which makes your contractions regular. It can have the following effects on your body:- Prolong the first stage of labour
- Increase fatigue and discomfort
- Raise the chances of medical interventions, such as induced labour or C-section
What Can You Do to Stay Calm During Labour?
Your labour experience may differ from others, so try to stay calm in these situations. The following tips can help you reduce stress:- Deep breathing – Slow breathing increases oxygen for both you and your baby
- Relaxation techniques – Prenatal yoga, meditation, or imagining visual images can prepare your mind
- Prepare a birth plan – It will reduce your uncertainty and anxiety during labour
- Take support from your partner – Emotional support helps you feel calm
- Ask questions during labour – Understanding what is happening helps you feel in control
How Can Your Partner or Family Support You?
Support from your loved ones can reduce your stress levels during labour in many ways.- They can hold your hand or offer a gentle touch for comfort
- Speak positively during contractions
- Remind you to breathe and relax
- Communicate your needs with the medical staff
When Should You Be Concerned About Stress Levels?
The following signs show that your stress may be too high:- You are unable to focus or calm yourself despite help
- You feel panicked, breathless, or dizzy
- You notice your baby moving less before labour starts
What To Do Next: Your Calm-Labour Checklist
The following tips can help you prepare for a better birthing experience:- Practice relaxation techniques daily during pregnancy
- Talk to your doctor about your concerns or birth experiences
- Attend prenatal or childbirth classes
- Play calming music or positive affirmations
- Keep your hospital bag ready to avoid last-minute stress
- Discuss pain relief methods with your doctor
Emotional and Mental Health Matters Too
Labour is a physical and emotional journey. You may feel weak at times, but it only shows that you care about your baby’s safety the most. Allow yourself to rest properly and spend your time bonding with your baby. Talk to your doctor if you feel anxious despite having recovered well.Stress during labour is normal, but too much of anything is never good. The same goes for high stress levels, which can influence your baby’s heartbeat and your labour progress. You can take proactive steps to stay calm under such circumstances by understanding how your body and mind respond. Surround yourself with people who can lift your morals, and remember to trust your body.
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FAQs on How Stress During Labour Can Affect The Baby’s Heartbeat?
- Can stress during labour harm the baby permanently?
Your baby may experience temporary changes in their heartbeat due to stress, but these resolve when you relax or with medical interventions. You don’t need to worry about any long-term effects, as they occur rarely. - How do doctors check if the baby is stressed during labour?
Doctors continuously or intermittently monitor the baby’s heartbeat using foetal heart monitoring. If there are any irregularities, they act immediately to manage them. - What can I do if I feel panicked during labour?
Take a deep breath in such times and ask for support from your loved ones. You can also ask the doctor to give you some pain relief options so that you feel at ease.