Questions & Answers

I agree with the other girls that stress can cause contractions. I went into preterm labor right before 26 weeks and have been on bed rest since (almost 33 weeks now). My job is stressful and the weekend I went into preterm labor was a very stressful family situation. I've noticed now that even with bed rest, if I have something stressful going on (sister in law, for one!), I have more contractions and have to go to the hospital. Last week at my appointment, I was 3cm dilated and this is my first baby, so I shouldn't be dilated at all. I would definitely trust your gut with this and go by what your regular doctor thinks, not an ultrasound tech. It sucks being on bed rest, but ultimately getting your baby as far along as possible is the best thing for everyone. If you end up on bed rest, message me and we can talk about how to get through lots of weeks!!

Seneka - I have no medical evidence to back up my theory, but I've always thought it made some sense that stress is horrible for us pregnant ladies. When animals are stressed they also go into labor, & sometimes abort pregnancies by going in to labor too soon. It's a way for them to survive. They can move faster, eat less, bla bla bla if they are not pregnant. I really don't think humans are all that different. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if extreme levels of stress cause issues in a pregnancy including contractions. & everyone's levels of stress tolerance are different. You should do what you think is best for your little family :) Also...the ladies/gentleman who do anatomy scans are generally trained in ultrasounds, not necessarily OB/GYN stuff. I would be more apt to listen to my regular doc than an ultrasound tech in this situation. Because the tech could say everything looks ok now, but not really know how things could go in the future.

Hi, I'm 11 weeks pregnant and started
spotting, I went to hospital and had
ultrasound there, Dr. was telling you
have Fundo Posterior Placenta, spotting
is because of its position, For that she
advised me complete bed rest, no
heavy lifting. Although my baby is all
fine and baby's growth is ok too. It's
my 1st pregnancy and I'm much
worried and stressed, Did anyone
experience this?
please need your suggestions and help!

So a google search comes up with much information about stress as a potential cause and/or worsening contractions and preterm labor. My doc told me to avoid stress when I started having contractions at 24 weeks. In addition, there is information about depression, anxiety and stress and its relationship to placental abruption. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20692040 Of course, your providers will have a much better understanding of your particular situation and how any of this information applies to you.

That being said, I would absolutely follow my gut. Stress isn't good for anyone, let alone a pregnant momma with complications. I would encourage you to find a doc that will support whatever measures you take to keep you and your baby healthy. I know that when I have had complications I usually tend towards the most conservative steps - i.e. bed rest, etc. I know for me, if I did't do everything in my power, and something were to go wrong, I would always regret it. GL.