Link Between Stress in Pregnancy and Allergies/Asthma
I am getting really stressed that my unborn baby is going to be even more allergic than my firstborn. But getting myself all worked up may end up contributing to the problem. According to a new study (hat tip ModernAllergyMom), stress may also increase my unborn baby’s risk for allergies and asthma later in life.
I found ModernAllergyMom’s story lending credence to this theory very interesting but slightly disheartening, given my situation. But I contrast her story with that of a friend whose children attend my daughter’s preschool . Her firstborn is her most allergic. Her middle child is less allergic than her first. And her youngest (who just turned two a few weeks ago) has tested completely allergy-free.
I just don’t know how this is going to turn out. But I guess I really shouldn’t stress about it.
June 1st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Oh, dear.
So, the Toddles is just as allergic as his big brother, and with tougher allergens (grains? ya gotta be kidding me) to manage. But it *is* easier, and it’s just out of my hands. We rolled the genetic dice, and we bought the tickets, and it works, mostly because we learned the trade from managing the Eldest.
Honestly, hon, there’s nothing you can do. So why stress yourself about it? You know that stress is just going to lead you to guilt, and that’s really just sooooo much fun…
If you are worried, work on what you have now. Build lines of communication between you and your husband, between you and your child. Build foundations of knowledge with extended family, and then rest. Gestate. It’ll all sort itself out..
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:05 am
Between what has made me sick and what the allergist recommends I avoid — the only things left to worry about are wheat, soy, strawberries, and corn. If I end up with a wheat allergic child — know I’ll be looking to you for recipes. Your hot air rolls looked delicious.