Pregnancy Stress Factors

Studies suggest that pregnant women are most concerned about the following issues during pregnancy:

• Medical problems

• Physical symptoms

• Parenting/relationships

• Bodily changes

• Labor and delivery

• Health of the baby

Symptoms for women under significant amounts of stress that are commonly cited include fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, poor appetite or overeating, headaches and backaches. Here are several factors that are believed to contribute to more extreme forms of stress during pregnancy:

• Previous miscarriage and late-pregnancy loss

• High-risk pregnancy and bed rest

• Domestic or emotional abuse

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Fear Factor: Coping with the Worries of Pregnancy