Study: Excess stress during pregnancy can have negative impact on unborn baby

A pregnant woman.
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By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Excess stress during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the unborn baby, according to a new study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. 

The authors of the study suggest that there is a need for universal screening for psychological distress as a routine part of prenatal care and taking other steps to support stressed out pregnant women and safeguard their newborns' developing brains. 

There has been a focus on diet and exercise during pregnancy, but experts are saying that we need to focus on mental well-being as well.