Does Maternal Stress Impact Birth Weight?

A new study says that stress in pregnant women may also increase the chances of low birth weight. In fact, health experts say that a woman's physiological stress conditions may predict whether she gives birth to a baby of healthy weight or low birth weight.

So, chronic stress has one more effect on our lives. Researchers found this out when they observed that there is a link between cortisol and low birth weight.

In fact, maternal cortisol levels play a huge role in the weight of the baby and this is why health experts say that a stress-free life is important even before the conception.

After studying nearly 150 women along with their babies, researchers came to this conclusion. Generally, the cortisol levels in a woman's body tend to increase during pregnancy. This could play a role in the overall growth and development of the baby.

When the levels of cortisol increase, the blood supply to the foetus may get impacted. This may also impact the way a child responds to stress after growing up.

This study says that maternal stress may increase the risk of low birth weight, infant mortality and also cardiovascular issues in the baby. Therefore, women who wish to conceive may need to find ways to deal with stress first.