Chronic Stress Can Affect Pregnancy: Dr. Borders

Chicago - Pregnancy can be a stressful time for a woman, but can that stress harm her health or the health of her baby? Dr. Ann Borders, an obstetrician from Northwestern Medicine, joined us with some answers.

Borders said regular stress isn’t unhealthy, but women who suffer from chronic stress can suffer consequences.

One out of eight babies are born premature in the United States, and Borders said some preliminary research has linked chronic stress of pregnant women to an increased risk of premature birth.

Borders said when stress makes someone feel like they have trouble coping or leading a normal life, that is the time to call a doctor.

If you would like to take part in a study on pregnancy and stress, there are two starting soon. One is going to follow women from before and during preganancy then follow the children through age 21. If you are pregnant or might become pregnant in the next few years and want to partake in the study, call 1-866-315-7124 or text NCSMOM to 57682.

In a second study, the NIH is looking for women are having their first baby and plan to deliver at Northwestern. If you meet those criteria and are less than 14 weeks along, call 312-926-5952 to enroll.