How Fighting & Arguing With a Partner During Pregnancy Affects the Baby

Written by Evelyn Broderick

18 December, 2018

During pregnancy, women often experience emotional changes that can lead to arguing with their partner. This arguing can have serious consequences for both baby and mother. Normal arguing is not likely to cause any harm, but excessive arguing that signifies an underlying emotional disorder or causes extreme stress for the mother should be avoided. Using tips to help cope with emotional changes as well as proper medical therapy can help alleviate these arguments.

Emotions During Pregnancy

Pregnant women experience significant emotional changes and mood swings as their pregnancy progresses. These changes are due to rapidly changing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. These changes can be very disconcerting to the husband or partner, who cannot understand what is wrong and might feel inadequate because he is unable to comfort his pregnant spouse. This can lead to arguments and withdrawal of affection.

Pregnant women experience significant emotional changes and mood swings as their pregnancy progresses.
These changes can be very disconcerting to the husband or partner, who cannot understand what is wrong and might feel inadequate because he is unable to comfort his pregnant spouse.

Affects on the Baby

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Severe arguments can signify a larger underlying problem, like depression or an anxiety disorder. In addition, they can cause a lot of stress for the mother. According to Baby Center, this affects the baby's physical well-being. Mothers who suffer from untreated emotional problems during pregnancy are more likely to have preterm labor.

Severe arguments can signify a larger underlying problem, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
In addition, they can cause a lot of stress for the mother.

Affects on the Mother

Anxiety and depression not only affects the baby but also can affect the mother. Mothers with untreated emotional disorders are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression. It is therefore important to consult your health care provider about treating severe or intense mood changes.

Avoiding Arguments

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If your arguments have become frequent and excessive, it is time to speak to a health care provider about evaluating and treating underlying emotional conditions. In addition, it can be helpful to talk with you partner about the changes you are undergoing and the feelings you are experiencing. MayoClinic.com recommends letting your partner know that some mood changes are normal and that you need support and tenderness. Identify areas of stress in your relationship and deal with them honestly.

If your arguments have become frequent and excessive, it is time to speak to a health care provider about evaluating and treating underlying emotional conditions.
In addition, it can be helpful to talk with you partner about the changes you are undergoing and the feelings you are experiencing.