But what’s the response to worried moms and moms-tobe? “It’s hormones!” is a common refrain on online forums.
Indeed there may be truth to this. Worry can cause levels of the stress hormone cortisol to rise; but, in moderation, this is not necessarily a bad thing—it might even make you a better parent. New moms with high levels of cortisol have been shown as more likely to recognize their babies from smell alone; and there are suggested links between a mom’s cortisol levels and her responsiveness to her baby’s cries.
In fact, worrying may be a cornerstone of a natural biological feedback loop of love. New parents worry more, so take steps to protect their little ones, and in return they get cute bonding behavior, which elicits love. The emotional rewards they get from their child mitigates their heightened state of worry spiraling out of control.
But can your stress harm your baby? Yes—sustained high levels can affect a pregnancy, for example by increasing the risk of a premature birth. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, appear to cross the placenta, and some studies suggest that babies born to highly stressed mothers may be affected in childhood, particularly by anxiety and attention disorders.
A 2009 Chinese study lauded the soothing effects of music on pregnant women being treated for anxiety in the hospital.
So how can you keep your natural inclination to worry to manageable levels? Parenting and health websites suggest you seek help from family and friends, join parent and baby groups to share your worries, go for walks, get physical exercise, listen to calming music, and sleep when you can.
But remember, a bit of worry may just be nature’s way of preparing you for parenthood. Be reassured that your body and your little one have evolved to do this. And in the modern day, many of the threats of our ancestral past are vastly reduced, and our health-care systems are better equipped than ever to deal with any problems that may arise.
So, when you check that your sleeping newborn is still breathing for the twentieth time, take a deep breath and try to relax in the knowledge that worrying is completely normal. Don’t stress about getting stressed.
