Here are the side effects of stress in pregnancy and between couples in relation to the habit of their baby growing up.
Is it bad for a pregnant woman to cry? The effects of stress on pregnant women and conflict between spouses are related to the baby's behavior. This is the finding of a new study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Cambridge, Birmingham, New York and Leiden.
Learning about the effects of stress on pregnant women
After following 438 first-time expectant mothers and fathers in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy up to the 4th, 14th, 24months of their unborn baby, the researchers found findings that were important for parents to consider.
First is the effect of stress on the pregnant woman and the future behavior of her baby. And second, is the impact of conflict between spouses on having emotional problems with their child.
Parents who participated in the study were recruited from the East of England, New York State and the Netherlands. And through standardized questionnaires and interviews researchers have gathered the data they need.
Based on the results of the study, the prenatal wellbeing of first time mothers is said to have a direct impact on the behavior of her child when she is 2 years old.
Is it bad for a pregnant woman to cry?
If a pregnant woman experiences stress and anxiety during her prenatal period there is a high chance that her child will develop behavioral problems. These behavioral problems include temper tantrums, restlessness and spitefulness.
The study also showed that 2-year-olds are more likely to show emotional problems when their parents have a conflict or problem after birth.
The emotional problems identified by the study that a 2-year-old may present are worried, unhappy, tearful, easily frightened and clingy.
While conflicts and problems between spouses are misunderstandings, no longer being happy together and so on.
Statement by the researchers of the study
Therefore, from the results of the study, the researchers warned couples about the possible effects of stress on pregnant women. And the importance of the husband's mental health support to his wife to avoid it. It also ensures the proper individual well-being of the child by having a healthy couple relationships.
"Our findings highlight the need for earlier and more effective support for couples to prepare them better for the transition to parenthood."
“For too long, the experiences of first-time dads have either been side-lined or treated in isolation from that of mums. This needs to change because difficulties in children’s early relationships with both mothers and fathers can have long-term effects. ”
This is the added statement of Professor Claire Hughes of Cambridge’s Center for Family Research who is the lead author of the study.
Guiding and preparing new parents
The study is related to an ongoing project about wellbeing and the influence of new mothers and fathers on each other.
Another study included in the project found that fathers experience trauma when their husbands experience difficult childbirth. It is said to be an important aspect of being a new parent that is only now being given attention.
So from the results of the joint study the researchers concluded that first time moms and dads need tools for them to be prepared for the transition of parenting.
"If mum has a difficult birth, that can be a potentially traumatic experience for dads."
“What both studies show is that we need to make antenatal support much more inclusive and give first-time mums and dads the tools they need to communicate with each other and better prepare them for this major transition. With resources stretched, parents are missing out on the support they need. ”
This is the statement of Dr. Sarah Foley who is also from Cambridge’s Center for Family Research and co-author of the study.
