Postpartum Anxiety

The symptoms of postpartum anxiety might include:

  • Uncontrollable, excessive, or constant worry

  • Feeling that something bad is going to happen

  • Imagining the worst-case scenario

  • Being extra careful and vigilant of danger

  • Racing thoughts

  • Avoiding certain situations, activities, places, or people

  • Irritability

  • Feeling easily overwhelmed

  • Disturbances of sleep and appetite

  • Inability to sit still

  • Physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, muscle tension, and nausea

  • Difficulty concentrating and focusing

  • Forgetfulness

  • Feeling the need to control things

  • Asking others for constant reassurance

  • Checking things repeatedly

  • Panic attacks

Risk Factors

  • Personal or family history of anxiety or depression

  • Previous mood reaction to hormonal changes (puberty, PMS, birth control, PMDD)

  • History of endocrine dysfunction (thyroid imbalance, diabetes)

  • Previous pregnancy or infant loss

  • Perfectionism

  • Lower socio-economic status

  • Lack of social support (friends, family…)

  • Crisis in job, housing, finances, or family/partner relationship

  • Previous perinatal depression or anxiety

  • Becoming pregnant during teenage years

Don’t all new moms worry? How do I know I need help?

Postpartum anxiety is common, and can be brushed off by loved ones and providers as normal. It’s typical to have passing worries about your baby, your abilities as a mother, dangers, etc. If your worries aren’t passing or are interfering with your functioning or ability to enjoy your new baby, it’s time to seek help. Reach out now to get started!