The issue concerns your response to the presence of uncomfortable emotions. Stress has been the source of perceived problem behaviors for many individuals. Some report drinking excessive alcohol or using illicit drugs triggered by the pain of a life situation. There are numerous stress related poor life choices such as unhealthy food choices, huge spending sprees with the use of credit cards, and disastrous sexual encounters.

A recent study funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research noted that stress in women is the primary reason for their self neglect in routine preventive care. Delays in routine care such as physicals and routine screening tests can be a predictor of long term adverse health outcomes.

Stress encountered during pregnancy can create a unique set of problems. When stressed, the human body can produce stress molecules, which may impact the placenta in pregnant females. This can reduce the placental blood supply to the baby. The increased level of stress hormone may have the potential to create havoc in your body.

The question is how to plan on handling stress during your pregnancy. My message is that now is the time to learn positive methods for managing your stress.