Will Stress Affect My Baby’s Development?

Stress during pregnancy is everyday and usually not harmful. Things like work deadlines, family responsibilities, or occasional worries aren’t typically linked to adverse outcomes for your baby.

Research suggests that chronic, high levels of stress over long periods may influence fetal development, in part because stress hormones like cortisol can cross the placenta in higher amounts and potentially affect the developing brain. 

The good news: support, prenatal care, and stress-reduction strategies are highly protective, and most babies develop normally even when pregnancy feels stressful at times.

Does Stress During Pregnancy Affect My Baby’s Development?

This is one of the most common questions pregnant women ask. The short, evidence-based answer is: it depends on the type, intensity, and duration of stress.

Research on stress during pregnancy has primarily explored three areas:

• Fetal brain development
• Emotional regulation pathways
• Birth outcomes, such as preterm birth or low birth weight

Importantly, researchers consistently distinguish between everyday stress, which is extremely common and expected, and chronic or severe stress that feels constant, overwhelming, or unresolved.

Occasional anxiety or emotional sensitivity is normal, and you aren’t harming your baby. Intense and persistent stress, however, can have negative effects, which we’ll explore.

How Stress Can Impact Your Baby’s Development

How Stress Hormones Affect Fetal Brain Development

When you’re under stress, your body releases hormones, most notably cortisol. In normal amounts, cortisol plays a vital role in development. However, sustained high cortisol levels over extended periods may influence the developing fetal stress-response system, known as the HPA axis.

Research suggests prolonged exposure to elevated stress hormones may be associated with subtle differences in:

• Amygdala development (A part of the brain involved in emotion and social processing)
• Brain connectivity
• Emotional regulation pathways
  

It’s important to emphasize that these findings aren’t guarantees that anything will happen. The developing brain is highly adaptable, and supportive environments before and after birth play a powerful protective role.

Possible Effects on Birth Outcomes (Preterm Birth, Low Birth Weight)

Some studies have found that chronic stress during pregnancy correlates with a higher likelihood of preterm birth and low birth weight.

These outcomes can increase the risk for developmental challenges later in life—but many factors, including genetics, nutrition, prenatal care, medical conditions, and social support, influence them. Stress alone is not the sole cause.

Emotional and Behavioural Outcomes Linked to Chronic Stress

Research has also explored whether high, prolonged stress during pregnancy is linked to later emotional or behavioural differences. Some studies suggest associations with:

• Higher emotional reactivity
• Attention or behavioural challenges
• Increased sensitivity to stress later in life
  

Again, these findings are not deterministic. A baby’s environment after birth is one of the strongest predictors of healthy emotional development. Postnatal care and connection matter deeply.

Signs of Stress During Pregnancy

Recognizing signs of chronic stress during pregnancy can help you respond early and protect both your well-being and your baby’s.

Common signs may include:

• Trouble sleeping, even when tired
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to relax
• Persistent worry or racing thoughts
• Heart racing, muscle tension, or frequent headaches
• Irritability or heightened emotional sensitivity
• Feeling “on edge” most of the day
• Physical symptoms that worsen under stress

It’s normal to occasionally experience any of the above. But when it’s constant or starts interfering with daily life, it may signal higher emotional stress during pregnancy, which is worth addressing.

What You Can Do to Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

Everyday Stress-Reduction Strategies

Small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in managing your stress:

• Taking short daily walks
• Practicing deep breathing or grounding exercises
• Limiting upsetting news and social media exposure
• Gentle prenatal movement (yoga or stretching)
• Creating small pockets of rest throughout the day
• Talking openly with a partner, friend, or therapist
• Simplifying responsibilities and reducing overcommitment
  

You don’t need to eliminate stress entirely. Focus on creating moments of regulation helps your nervous system reset.

When Emotional Stress Needs Extra Support

Extra support may be helpful if stress feels:

• Constant, overwhelming, or physically intense
• Like it’s affecting your ability to function day-to-day
• Marked by persistent fear, dread, or rumination
• Emotionally numbing or disconnecting
• Tied to past trauma resurfacing
• Like anxiety or sadness lasting longer than two weeks
  

Seeking help is not a failure—it’s a protective step.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Consider reaching out to a medical professional if:

• Stress impacts sleep, appetite, or daily functioning
• Physical symptoms worsen (headaches, chest tightness, GI issues)
• You’re unsure whether your stress is “normal”
• You experience panic attacks or intrusive thoughts
• You want help accessing therapy or additional support

Your provider’s role is to support you and provide resources, not to pass judgment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Stress During Pregnancy

Can stress cause bleeding during pregnancy?

Stress itself does not directly cause bleeding during pregnancy. However, stress can worsen any preexisting physical symptoms. Any bleeding should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, regardless of stress levels.

Does stress during pregnancy affect my baby’s brain?

Elevated chronic stress levels may influence aspects of fetal brain development through prolonged exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol. Occasional or everyday stress is not shown to cause harm, and the brain remains highly adaptable, especially with supportive care.

Can stress during pregnancy cause autism?

Current research does not show that stress during pregnancy causes autism. Autism is a complex condition influenced primarily by genetics and early neurodevelopmental factors.

What is a non-stress test during pregnancy?

A non-stress test during pregnancy is a medical test used later in pregnancy to monitor a baby’s heart rate and movements. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with emotional stress. It simply checks how the baby responds to movement.

How much stress is considered normal during pregnancy?

Some stress is entirely normal—pregnancy brings physical, emotional, and life changes. Stress becomes more concerning when it is constant, overwhelming, and unsupported, rather than occasional or situational.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed every day?

If overwhelm feels constant, reach out for professional support, emotional connection, or practical help. You don’t have to carry it alone, and early support can make a meaningful difference.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Every day stress during pregnancy is normal and not typically harmful
• High, prolonged stress may influence fetal development, but many factors shape outcomes
• Prenatal care, emotional support, and small stress-reduction habits are highly protective
• Loving, stable environments after birth play a powerful role in healthy development
  

Pregnancy is a major life transition — practicing self-care and reaching out for support early and often can make a meaningful difference for both you and your baby.