Mild stress during pregnancy may actually be good for the development of the foetus, new research suggests.
The new findings by researchers in the United States contradict previous studies, which have found that stress interferes with normal development.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore studied 137 women during their pregnancies, assessing their general level of stress through self-reporting.
The women's children were then tested at 2 years old to assess their physical and mental development, along with their abilities to control their own behaviour and regulate emotions.
It was found that a "modest" amount of anxiety and daily stress during pregnancy was actually associated with more advanced development in early childhood.
"Our findings should provide relief to women who are experiencing the normal anxieties and stresses common to the demands of modern life," said Dr Janet A DiPietro of Johns Hopkins University and leader of the research.
"In essence, women can stop worrying that their emotional state is harming their unborn baby."
Dr DiPietro added: "Obviously, we don't recommend that women seek out stress, as maternal exhaustion is not good preparation for labour and delivery and the demands of child rearing."
However, it remains unclear exactly how mild stress in the mother can aid child development.
One suggestion is that the foetus is exposed to more of the stress hormone cortisol in the womb, a hormone that is required by organs to facilitate proper development.
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Good news for worry wart mums-to-be!
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