Can stress cause miscarriage?

I am currently 9w1d pregnant and am spotting for the 5th time this pregnancy. The first 3 times were ruled as a result of a yeast infection and that was a great relief. However, the 4th time was right after I treated the infection with monistat so I don't think that was the cause. However, since the doctor didn't think I needed to be seen, I haven't been able to determine the cause of the spotting. Since then (last Monday), I have been worried sick about this pregnancy. I'm at the point where I worry from the moment I wake up to the second I fall asleep, I can't think of anything else and am constantly checking for any sign of bleeding. I realize that this is completely neurotic but I've just been trying to prepare myself for the worse, should it happen. But now, I'm really worried that the constant stress all week has really hurt the baby, if the spotting wasn't a bag sign afterall. I had an ultrasound at 7w4d and everything looked fine but I haven't been able to relax because of 3 previous miscarriages. Everyone tells me I should try to be optimistic but I haven't been able to do that. I'm just so scared that something is wrong with my baby all the time. It didn't occur to me until recently how harmful the stress might be on the baby. Does anyone know whether stress can actually cause a miscarriage? Thanks.

[JustME9]

Hi there! I have been wondering how you are doing.  I have read up on stress/pregnancy and stuff.  I am NO expert but a lot of things I read says stress does not make you miscarry.  I do know that with my first son I was pretty stressed out but not the way i've been stressed out the last couple of years.   I was not stressed out at all with my second son.  My third i was pretty stressed out.  My doctor's colleague told me this last pregnancy (i was talking to her on the phone one time and i was really worried and stressed (she's also works in the same hospital as me) and she said "girl you really need to get a hold of yourself..the stress is causing you more harm than anything right now" (i was spotting and stuff BUT mine was ectopic and yours isn't and they've seen the heartbeat).  I did find this article http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/66/79698.htm?printing=true you might want to check that out.  
I hope you can try to relax.  i knwo it's not easy but it's the best thing for you.  Try to listen to some soothing music and put your feet up.  Try to rest.  Drink lots of water and have your hubby dote on you.  I know easier said than done, but beleive me it's the best thing.  You will be in my prayers!

[JustME9]

i DO know and understand what you're going through.  When I was pregnant this last time i would not go anywhere, i couldn't think strait, i was literally going through a TOn of toilet paper looking for spotting.  I remember starting to go to the store and feeling discharge wondering if it was spotting and freaking out and speeding right back home.

[tln]

Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you're helping me. Just knowing that someone understands exactly what I'm going through helps. I'm really grateful. I'm going to try to relax more, I just hope it's not too late! I'm not sure whether I should insist on being seen tomorrow or just wait until my appt. on Friday. I wish it was possible to just sleep through the first trimester and skip all the worries! Again, thank you so much.

[annie f.]

I think that as time goes on you'll begin to notice a natural reduction in the amount of nervousness and stress you feel.  For me, passing up the time when I miscarried the last pg. helped a lot.  It was really hard for me to wait for my u/s but I had it last week and saw a little baby with a good, strong heartbeat.  I feel a lot less nervous now, although I do still think about the possibility of something happening.  

Try not to worry, stress will not cause you to miscarry (although it may make you exhausted).  In reality, moving the couch or going sky diving won't either.  If the little guy is meant to hang on, he/she will.  I have a friend that spotted a ton during her first trimester and is now doing great at eight months. Good luck!  Annie

[emma622]

hi,i also no how you feel.i had  a miscarriage last year which ruined me!all iv ever wanted was a baby!i am now 11weeks pregnant again and at 7weeks i had sum lite brown spotting and insisted my partner took me 2 casualty coz i was convinced i was going to miscarry again!the hospital was useless and i had 2 see my doctor the following day.i insisted on an early scan,i was totally prepared 4 the worst,in fact i nearly fell off the bed wen i was told things were fine and we could c the heartbeat!its now 4weeks on and every day i am terrified and worried,people tell me to be happy and positive too but its hard!i just have been waiting 4 12weeks to come which is the safe date!!im almost there!and cant believe it.so keep ur head up,try 2 RELAX,and you will soon b at 12 weeks too!
CONGRATULATIONS :)

[Still_AndiJ]

I think the reason most of us tell you not to stress isn't because it will cause you to m/c, but it may cause you to become so preoccupied, you may neglect yourself and then i turn the baby. I am not any better than any of you ladies I give advice to, I am a wreck when I am pg.

After 4 m/c and a very stressful life I have developed some good coping skills. But i do still stress quite a bit when I am pg. Actually, I am not pg yet and i stress about GETTING pg : ) I understand how terrifying spotting can be, believe me. But as long as it is not accompanied by heavy cramping and bright red bleeding, you are probably okay.

You could have a very irritated cervix and that could actually be the culprit. I know it is hard to think rationally when it happens to you, that is why this forum is sooooo great. Please take some time for yourself, if you can. Make a cup of tea (or cocoa) and sit in a warm bath. Start reading some pg books (skip the sections on m/c) and read about all the amazing things that little peanut is doing : ) I think that may help you to relax a little.

Congratulations!!

Andrea

[tln]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. Hearing that you've all had similar experiences makes me feel less alone. I've been trying to relax all week and finally have my appt. tomorrow. I'm really nervous about what we'll see or won't see. With all of my pregnancies, I've never had two good consecutive ultrasounds, so I'm definitely scared. I wish all of you luck with your pregnancies. And to Andi, I know it will happen again for you soon. To Annie, I was just wondering if your friend ever found out the cause of all her spotting? Thanks again.