Fetus to mom: Don’t stress me out

BELLOSILLO said the conditions in the uterus could determine how a baby’s heart, liver, kidneys, brain and mind will function during adulthood.

A leading cardiologist has confirmed what used to be considered just an old wives’ tale—that stress really is not good for pregnant women as it not only increases the risk of preterm labor, but a host of other problems for babies growing into adults, including cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo, head of the Makati Medical Center’s Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, said: “We have always known that health depends on an interaction between our genes and our environment. But we’ve also come to realize that a key part of that environment is in the womb before we are born. In my years of experience and interacting with patients, there is now considerable evidence that the mother’s emotional state during pregnancy can affect the development of her baby’s future cardiovascular health.”

Speaking before fellow cardiologists during the recent 47th annual convention of the Philippine Heart Association, Bellosillo said this might explain why cardiovascular deaths now represent about 40 percent of all global deaths (50 million). The rate increases to 50 percent if hypertension and stroke are included.

Silent disease

“Stress is a silent disease. While it is still true that as long as you give the growing fetus the right nutrients and avoided harmful substances, that fetus would develop into a healthy baby, we also need to take into account, as among the risk factors, the conditions in the uterus as this determine how a baby’s heart, liver, kidneys, brain  and mind will function during adulthood,” said the doctor who is founder and president of the Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases.

Bellosillo added: “When the mother is stressed, several biological changes occur, including elevation of stress hormones and increased likelihood of intrauterine infection. If a baby grows less well than it should in the womb, he or she will be at greater risk of coronary heart disease later in life.”

What kind of stress? Bellosillo enumerated depression, pregnancy-specific anxiety, daily hassles (work-related stress), bad relationships (physical abuse of partner) and exposure to extreme disasters.

Emotional support

“To counter the harmful effects that stress has on a developing baby, we need to be more aware and provide more emotional support to the mother,” the doctor suggested.

In order to reduce stress during pregnancy, the following suggestions might prove helpful:

1Rest and focus on your baby. From about 23 weeks, a baby has been found to be able to hear so it is suggested for the mother to take time out to chat and sing to the unborn baby.

2Sleep a lot. If you are feeling exhausted, go to bed early as your body is already working hard to nourish your fast developing baby. Take a break from your usual chore and ask your partner, a friend or even parents to look after your child or children.

3Eat well. Eating the right food is good for your mind as well as your body. A healthy diet of omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals has been found to lift one’s mood and help reduce depression.

Try to have extra portions of oily fish, such as mackerel and sardines. Add nuts and seeds, which are easy to snack on. Since dehydration may affect your mood, aim for six to eight glasses (about 1.5 liters) of fluid a day.

4 Take exercise. Exercise can improve your mood and there are safe and gentle routines fit for pregnant women. Swimming is ideal, as it keeps you toned, without being too hard on your joints. If you can’t get to a pool, see if you can fit in a daily walk that lasts at least 15 minutes.

There’s also pregnancy yoga that tones and stretches your body as well as teaches you breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques. These techniques are good for helping you control your anxieties.

5Adjust commuting time. Commuting, especially if you are in Metro Manila, can be a major source of stress, and it gets worse the more heavily pregnant you are. Ask your employer if you can avoid rush hours, perhaps starting and finishing earlier than usual.

Make sure you always sit down on public transport. If you are not offered a seat, ask for one as most people are more than willing to give up their seats. They just need reminding!