New Research Connects Chronic Stress Hormones to Unpredictable Birth Outcomes—and What You Can Do About It

Did you know that your body holds clues about how your birth might unfold, even before labor begins?

A groundbreaking study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology has found that chronically elevated stress levels during pregnancy, as measured by cortisol in the hair, were strongly linked to unpredicted birth complications. These included things like emergency C-sections, hemorrhage, early labor, and placental complications even in women with otherwise “healthy” pregnancies.

At Sláinte Chiropractic, we believe knowledge is power. Understanding how stress shows up in the body and how to support your nervous system through pregnancy can be a game-changer for birth outcomes and postpartum recovery.

What Is Cortisol and Why Does It Matter in Pregnancy?

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. It plays a helpful role during pregnancy, supporting baby’s growth and prepping the body for birth. But when cortisol stays chronically elevated, especially in the second and third trimesters, it can disrupt the delicate hormonal and neurological balance that supports a safe, smooth birth.

Researchers in this study used hair samples to measure cortisol levels in pregnant women. Because hair grows about 1 cm per month, the samples gave a window into each mother’s chronic stress load over several months.

High Stress = Higher Risk of Birth Complications

Here’s what the study found:

• Women with higher stress, anxiety, and depression scores during pregnancy had higher hair cortisol levels.
  

• Elevated hair cortisol levels during pregnancy were strong predictors of unpredicted birth complications, increasing the odds by 2100% in some cases.
  

• These women also showed higher stress scores two months after birth, suggesting a longer and harder recovery period, both physically and emotionally.
  

This means that even before labor starts, the body may already be sending out warning signs but we have to find out ways to listen.

The Long-Term Effects of Birth Stress on Moms (and Babies)

Cortisol levels didn’t just spike during pregnancy, they remained high up to six months postpartum in mothers who had unpredicted birth complications.

That’s important because chronic stress after birth can lead to:

• Postpartum depression and anxiety
  

• Trouble bonding or breastfeeding
  

• Fatigue, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance
  

• Changes in baby’s temperament or nervous system regulation (cortisol can pass through breastmilk and behaviorally via mom-baby interaction)

So supporting maternal nervous system regulation isn’t just about feeling better, it’s about long-term health for both mom and baby.

How Chiropractic Can Help Pregnant and Postpartum Moms Adapt to Stress

Here’s where chiropractic care comes in.

Chiropractic adjustments may or may not directly lower cortisol but they help the nervous system better adapt to stress. That’s especially important during pregnancy and postpartum, when the autonomic nervous system controls everything from hormone regulation to uterine function to emotional resilience.

At Sláinte Chiropractic, we use neurologically focused, gentle adjustments to:

• Improve brain-body communication
  

• Reduce physical stress and tension
  

• Support parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) function
  

• Help moms and babies better adapt to physical, chemical, and emotional stressors

This is why we believe that chiropractic care for pregnant moms should not only be focused on having a better birth but should also be considered throughout your entire pregnancy and postpartum recovery to support the nervous system which can help your body function at its best.

Take These Action Steps Today:

• Start paying attention to your stress load
  Even if you're eating well and taking care of your body, chronic stress may still be showing up beneath the surface.

• Track your stress
  Tools like the Oura ring and Whoop band can give you an indicator of your level of stress and how well your body is adapting to it.

• Reduce nervous system overload
  Limit the four T’s to whatever extent possible: negative thoughts, physical traumas including repetitive microtraumas, and environmental toxins. Get regular movement, connect with your support system and get your spine checked.

• Schedule your chiropractic evaluation
  If you’re pregnant or in the early postpartum period, we can assess how your nervous system is functioning and help you create a plan for optimal resilience and recovery.

Let’s Help You Have a Connected Pregnancy and Empowered Postpartum

At Sláinte Chiropractic in Jacksonville Beach, we know that birth doesn’t always go as planned but how you prepare matters. By supporting your nervous system during this powerful transition, you can reduce stress, improve adaptability, and support long-term wellness for both you and your baby.

Are you ready to feel more balanced, empowered, and connected during this season? Book your pregnancy or postpartum consultation today! Schedule here or call us at (904)718-6330.