How can acute stress trigger premature delivery?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

During periods of acute stress, adrenaline increases and this redistributes blood flow to your heart and brain from your uterus. In cases of extreme and unexpected periods of acute stress, decreased uterine blood flow can cause the fetus to panic, triggering premature delivery.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pregnancy Complications

Complications can fall into the category that is harmful to the baby and/or harmful to the mother. Many women develop gestational diabetes, which only affects the mother. Preeclampsia, which elevates the blood pressure of the mother during pregnancy, can be harmful to both mother and baby. Ectopic pregnancies can put both the mother and baby at risk when the embryo attaches to the fallopian tube, instead of moving to the uterus. Miscarriages or premature births can also happen to pregnant women with certain risk factors. When going through labor, progress can slow, causing distress for the baby and mother. In some cases, a C-section is needed to keep from causing harm to both the baby and mother.

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