Reduce stress to avert premature births, gynaecologists tell pregnant women

Seasoned maternal health specialists have said that too much stress during pregnancy may cause high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits in pregnant women, stating that it could increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and other pregnancy complications.

The gynaecologists disclosed that prolonged stress due to financial pressure and demanding work schedules could make it harder for pregnant women to eat adequately, attend antenatal appointments, obtain prescribed medicines and get enough rest, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes.

In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts urged pregnant women to seek support, reduce physically demanding activities where possible, get adequate sleep, take regular breaks and discuss flexible working arrangements with their employers.

They also called on employers to provide lighter duties, shorter working hours, meal and hydration breaks and other pregnancy-related support, stressing that women should not have to choose between earning a living and protecting their health and that of their unborn babies.

PUCNH Healthwise reports that the experts’ advice comes as the International Stress Awareness Week 2026 was observed from November 2 to 6, 2026, with the theme, “Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Rehumanising the Workplace.”

Speaking on the issue,  a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Abubakar Panti, said pregnancy is a period when a woman’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being requires special attention.

He, however, noted that the current economic climate had left many pregnant women dealing with financial insecurity, demanding jobs, long commuting hours and pressure to maintain their businesses and careers.

The maternal health expert stressed that pregnant women should not have to sacrifice their health or the well-being of their unborn babies to remain economically productive.

Panti said although stress could not always be avoided, it could be reduced and managed with support from families, employers, healthcare professionals and communities.

He explained that prolonged or excessive stress could affect a pregnant woman’s physical and mental health, causing persistent headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, irritability and emotional distress, particularly when accompanied by inadequate sleep.

“When stress becomes chronic, it may influence the pregnancy environment. The effect on the developing baby is that it there is increase risk in preterm birth, low birth weight and certain disorders. It may also be associated with cardiovascular strain, poor maternal mental health, increased risk of antenatal anxiety and depression, unhealthy lifestyle changes, poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, missing antenatal appointments, which may cause a lot of problems,” Panti said.

Panti also urged pregnant women not to dismiss persistent exhaustion, headaches, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, regular painful contractions, vaginal bleeding or leakage of fluid.

He listed blurred vision, sudden swelling of the face and hands, severe breathlessness, chest pain, depression and reduced or absent foetal movement as other warning signs that required immediate medical attention.

The gynaecologist advised pregnant women in paid employment who experienced prolonged stress to discuss flexible working hours, lighter duties or remote work arrangements with their employers where possible.

He urged them to take regular breaks, especially when required to stand or sit for long periods, avoid excessive overtime and physically demanding tasks, and plan meals, affordable nutritious snacks and water during the day.

For self-employed women and traders, Panti advised reducing long trading hours, delegating responsibilities to trusted family members, arranging rest periods during working days and considering less physically demanding business activities.

He also urged pregnant women to attend antenatal appointments regularly, practise relaxation techniques, engage in gentle exercise and use breathing exercises where medically appropriate.

The professor advised them to seek emotional support from their spouses, friends and family members, prepare realistic household budgets and prioritise essential expenses.

Continuing, the fertility expert said, “Rest is essential and not laziness. Therefore, pregnant women should aim for adequate nighttime sleep, short breaks during the day, and avoid long walks to prevent physical exhaustion.”

Panti further advised women who were financially compelled to work or trade daily to work smarter by negotiating their working hours, alternating demanding tasks, sitting whenever possible and seeking help with household responsibilities.

“Pregnancy should not become a struggle between earning a living and protecting maternal health. Government agencies, employers, health workers, providers, families and communities must work together to create an environment where pregnant women can remain economically productive without compromising their health,” he said.

Also, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Stanley Egbogu, warned that prolonged or excessive stress during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the unborn baby.

Egbogu said excessive stress could raise a pregnant woman’s blood pressure and cause anxiety, headaches and insomnia, adding that it could also affect appetite, making some women eat poorly, and others overeat.

He explained that stress could affect blood flow and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, slowing its growth and resulting in low birth weight.

The maternal health expert added that prolonged stress could affect the baby’s development, including brain development, and might be associated with irritability and sleep difficulties after birth.

He attributed some of these effects to increased production of cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, which he said could pass through the placenta to the baby.

Egbogu stressed that occasional stress was different from prolonged exposure lasting weeks or months, which he said could increase the risk of complications.

He identified pre-eclampsia, low birth weight and preterm birth among the possible complications associated with excessive stress during pregnancy. He also said severe stress could trigger early contractions and, in some cases, miscarriage.

The gynaecologist said pregnant women experiencing financial pressure should make simple, realistic budgets covering essential needs such as food, transportation and antenatal medicines.

He advised women to explore available support at primary healthcare centres, where some antenatal medicines and supplies, including folic acid and mosquito nets, might be available at subsidised rates or at no cost.

Egbogu also encouraged pregnant women to seek specific financial assistance from trusted friends, family members and co-workers rather than trying to manage their difficulties alone.

He said women who needed money for an ultrasound scan or transportation to antenatal appointments should explain their immediate needs when seeking help.

On practical ways to manage stress, the consultant advised pregnant women to aim for seven to eight hours of sleep at night and take short afternoon naps where possible.

He also recommended short walks, fresh air, talking to trusted people and avoiding excessive exposure to distressing news on social media.

Egbogu urged pregnant women to reduce their workload and delegate tasks, including shopping for baby supplies, to family members or other trusted people.

He said women should set small, achievable goals, celebrate their progress and draw support from people around them rather than carrying their challenges alone.

On workplace support, the gynaecologist urged employers to assign pregnant workers less demanding duties and allow colleagues to assist them where necessary.

He said pregnant employees could also be moved to sections where they could perform lighter tasks and, where appropriate, be allowed to work shorter hours or from home.

Egbogu added that pregnant women should not be required to undertake night shifts where these could be avoided and should be allowed to take medically prescribed bed rest.