There are many reasons to learn how to manage stress before you become pregnant. A number of studies suggest a link between high levels of stress and preterm delivery and low birth weight. Reseachers are still studying how stress contributes to these outcomes.

It's thought that stress increases the levels of some hormones that can limit blood flow to the placenta. This is harmful to the fetus. These same hormones may also play a role in activating labor, sometimes prematurely.

Stress can also make it harder to have good health habits, to eat properly and get enough rest. Some people react to stress by using cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, all of which can be harmful to you and your baby.

So, you have every reason to learn how to manage stress before you actually become pregnant. There are a variety of ways to do this and tackling this issue before your pregnancy means the techniques you learn can become habits.

Once you have some techniques in place you can be free to enjoy your pregnancy and to anticipate your baby.

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