Stress in pregnancy is a universal challenge that requires specialist treatment.

Stress hormones circulating in the body can cause long-lasting developmental effects for our unborn child.

Stress in pregnancy is a universal challenge that requires specialist treatment.

Stress hormones circulating in the body can cause long-lasting developmental effects for our unborn child.

Stress and hormones

Pregnancy is a special and joyous time but can also be filled with worry and anxiety – particularly with the additional uncertainties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Fluctuating hormone levels, physical discomfort and uncertainty about the future can all contribute towards feelings of stress during pregnancy.

A certain amount of stress is very normal for us to experience, but when that stress becomes too much, it’s really important to take action and manage our stress levels during pregnancy.

Too much stress

When a woman experiences high levels of stress (or even continuous lower levels), studies show that the child, once born, is likely to be less content and more fractious from birth, and less able to cope with stress right into adulthood.

Stress hormones in the body can cause long-lasting developmental effects for our unborn child.

This is because the mother’s stress hormone, cortisol, does not stop at the placenta. Which means that a baby in utero receives the same levels of cortisol as her or his mother

CalmBaby programme
Once developed, ELK.Media’s CalmBaby programme will work with both bio-medicine – to measure levels of stress hormones – and evidence-based methods that are proven to reduce and manage stress. The main aim of the programme will be to reduce the amount of cortisol crossing the placenta.

Supportive specialist clinics

The programme will provide a fun and easy way to reduce stress. Guests will learn tools and practices that will be useful both during pregnancy and beyond. Where psychoeducation isn’t sufficient on its own, online clinics will also be available for those who would benefit from additional, tailored support.

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