Perinatal Anxiety

What is Perinatal Anxiety?

Perinatal anxiety refers to anxiety experienced during the perinatal period. Some individuals may experience prenatal anxiety (anxiety during pregnancy), while others may experience postnatal anxiety (anxiety after childbirth). It is also possible for some people to experience both.

The arrival of a baby is a significant life change that often triggers feelings of anxiety. One might worry about being able to recognize and meet the baby’s needs, feel stressed about the baby’s health and development, or experience general stress during the adjustment to parenthood.

When anxiety becomes overwhelming, unmanageable, and interferes with daily functioning, it may evolve into Anxiety Disorder.

Symptoms of Perinatal Anxiety

• Dizziness
• Persistent fatigue
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Nausea
• Sleep disturbances
• Constant worry (e.g., about the baby’s health), irritability, and difficulty relaxing
• Continuous anxiety about potential future threats (e.g., fear that something bad will happen to the baby)
• Worry about the effects of anxiety on the baby
• Depersonalization (feeling as if the experiences are unreal) or derealization (feeling detached from one’s body and observing oneself from the outside).

What causes Perinatal Anxiety?

Perinatal anxiety can be linked to physical and neurological changes during pregnancy and after childbirth. The likelihood of developing perinatal anxiety increases if an individual has a history of anxiety disorders, has a family history of anxiety, or is under psychological stress (e.g., financial difficulties or relationship problems).

Furthermore, anxiety can be exacerbated if the individual lacks sufficient medical information regarding pregnancy, childbirth, or caring for a newborn (e.g., concerns about what will happen during labor, information about rights and options for childbirth, or practical guidance on caring for a baby).

 

 

Psychotherapy for Perinatal Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been scientifically proven to be an effective method for treating perinatal anxiety. Additionally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach for anxiety disorders.

In therapy, we will thoroughly explore the anxiety symptoms you may be experiencing, whether they are new or have been present in the past but have become more pronounced during the perinatal period. Based on evidence-based therapeutic techniques, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address these symptoms and fulfill your broader needs. Further details regarding my therapeutic approach can be found in the relevant section.

In some instances, treatment for perinatal anxiety may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication-psychiatric monitoring.

Additionally, our approach emphasizes close collaboration with your obstetrician to ensure that your physical health and well-being are fully integrated into the therapeutic process, providing you with comprehensive and holistic care.

 

Resources on Perinatal Anxiety