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Pregnancy loss is a traumatic time for most people, so the last thing anyone wants to hear is the word “stress” in the same sentence as “miscarriage.” At the same time, this topic warrants discussion, if anything, to avoid the spread of misinformation. While increased stress can potentially cause some health issues in pregnancy, let's be clear: Stress itself can't trigger a miscarriage.
First of all, it’s always important to remember some basic facts about miscarriage, which is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage — even though the actual number is likely higher because many miscarriages occur before people realize they’re pregnant.
The most common reason for an early miscarriage is a chromosomal issue that impacts the embryo’s development. However, there is research that also suggests some forms of stress can have a negative effect on your pregnancy. So it’s worth understanding how stress could play a part in your pregnancy and your overall health.
Rescripted spoke with Kecia Gaither, M.D., who is double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, and the director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health & Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx, New York. While Dr. Gaither can't confirm any direct link between stress and pregnancy loss, she does believe there is a “causal association between stress and adverse pregnancy outcomes.”
Is there a connection between stress and miscarriage?
Take a deep breath: Brief, everyday stress (a work deadline, you realize there’s no milk in the fridge, etc.) isn’t going to trigger a miscarriage. And guess what? Neither will chronic (long-term) or acute (sudden, high-level) stress. But things can get tricky if you’re experiencing one of those more intense life challenges like the death of a loved one, or financial issues, so you don't want to dismiss stress out of hand. Stress does have the potential to negatively affect your health, and that includes your pregnancy.
Chronic stress can cause a person’s cortisol levels to rise (cortisol is “the stress hormone,” says Dr. Gaither), which, in turn, can negatively affect the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections. These stress-related cortisol increases can harm your overall health, and, by extension, your pregnancy. “Sustained stress leads to sustained production of cortisol,” says Dr. Gaither. “This has an impact on vascular reactivity (increased blood pressure, increased risk of hemorrhage), decreased immunologic competence (increased risk of infection), and can lead to many of the morbidities commonly encountered during pregnancy.” These conditions include hypertensive disorders, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)/low birth weight, preterm labor, and hemorrhage.
So while you can rest assured that your current rough patch won't cause a miscarriage, it's still a good idea to get your stress under control for the sake of your health and your baby's health.
How to lower stress levels in pregnancy
If you feel like you’re stressing out more than usual, developing healthy habits and grounding activities are great ways to help regulate your nervous system. Dr. Gaither recommends the following “stress busters”:
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Setting up a support system/socializing with friends and family
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Listening to soothing music
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Exercising regularly
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Aromatherapy
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Acupuncture
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Reading
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Yoga
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Meditation
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Breathing exercises
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Improving sleep quality
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Taking on a new hobby
But if you’re experiencing chronic or acute stress that isn’t relieved by a quick yoga sesh, it might be time to speak to your healthcare provider about your concerns. As previously mentioned, most pregnancy losses are due to problems with the embryo’s chromosomes, so you don't have to worry about your stress triggering a miscarriage. Regardless, intense, long-term stress isn’t good for anyone — and certainly not anyone pregnant — so it’s a good idea to alert your physician of your circumstances. Your provider can refer you to a mental health specialist or help you with a personalized plan for lowering your stress levels.
Sarene Leeds holds an M.S. in Professional Writing from NYU, and is a seasoned journalist, having written and reported on subjects ranging from TV and pop culture to health, wellness, and parenting over the course of her career. Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, Vulture, SheKnows, and numerous other outlets. A staunch mental health advocate, Sarene also hosts the podcast “Emotional Abuse Is Real.” Visit her website here, or follow her on Instagram or Twitter.