Prenatal Anxiety

 

The symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy might include:

  • Constant worry in general, or more specifically about your health or the baby’s health

  • Feeling that something bad is going to happen

  • Imagining the worst-case scenario

  • 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

  • Being extra careful and vigilant of danger

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

  • High-risk pregnancy

  • 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

Don’t all pregnant women worry? How do I know I need help?

Prenatal 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’s health, your body/health, and giving birth. If your worries aren’t passing or are interfering with your functioning or ability to enjoy your pregnancy, it’s time to seek help. Reach out now to get started!