The effect of a pregnant woman’s stress on her baby

A pregnant woman should try to keep stress under control as it could have an effect on her unborn baby.

Resident OB-GYN Dr. Raul Quillamor discussed in a Pinoy MD episode that stress is commonly experienced during pregnancy and that it can actually harm the baby.

"Dapat ang pregnancy ini-enjoy ng isang babae 'yan. Pero siyempre di naman natin naa-avoid na sa isang araw may times diyan na nai-i-stress 'yung nanay. Kung minsan nag-aaway sila ni daddy, nagagalit sa ibang anak niya, so may kasabihan tayo na kung ano 'yung sitwasyon ng nanay, nakukuha din ng baby," Quillamor said.

According to Quillamor, the external environment can affect the baby's growth and development as well as his mental and psychological capacity.

"So kung palaging naii-stress 'yung nanay, eh siyempre naa-apektuhan din 'yung baby. Nafi-feel din kasi ng baby 'yun eh, 'yung external environment to which the baby is exposed to ay nakakaapekto din ng kanyang growth and development doon mismo sa loob no? At hindi lang growth and development pati na rin 'yung kanyang mental capacity, 'yung kanyang psychological make-up later on when that baby is born at naging bata siya, naging adult, nakakaapekto 'yon," Quillamor explained.

He took note that the stress, caused by various factors, can result in premature labor.

Quillamor said that the mother's family and friends should try to help her avoid stressful activities.

Quillamor also talked about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and whether or not women who have it can still get pregnant.

PCOS is a condition that can result in menstrual irregularities—such as heavy periods or no period at all—and difficulty getting pregnant.

He clarified that there are now medications for women that can stimulate ovulation.

"Sa ating teknolohiya ngayon, hindi na 'yan problema kasi may mga gamot [na]tayo na pangstimulate ng ovulation at pag nag ovulate 'yung isang babae, pwede na siyang mabuntis," Quillamor said. — LA/KVD/BM, GMA News