Perinatal Anxiety

It’s common to talk about depression during the perinatal period, but something we should be acknowledging more of is perinatal anxiety.

Perinatal anxiety affects 8-10% of birthing persons and new parents [1,2]. However, these numbers are likely underestimates.

While a certain level of anxiety is expected and normal during pregnancy and after birth, if your worry is persistent, causing you distress, and/or is impacting your ability to function in your day to day, please read on and reach out to your health care provider or therapist for support.

Symptoms

Symptoms of perinatal anxiety are comparable to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and include:

  • Constant and persistent worry often as it pertains to their baby and/or their ability to care for their baby
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in appetite
  • Irritability
  • Nervous energy
    • e.g., racing thoughts, racing heart, can’t sit still
  • Feeling like something bad is going to happen
  • Intrusive or scary thoughts
  • Fearful of social situations
  • Physical complaints
    • e.g., nausea, tremors, blurred vision, shortness of breath, body aches, hot flashes, dizziness, muscle tension

Risk Factors

The risk factors for perinatal anxiety are similar to those of perinatal depression. They include:

  • Prenatal anxiety
  • Personal or family history of anxiety
  • History of mood changes due to a change in hormones
    • e.g., puberty, birth control, premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Recent stressful life events (e.g., job loss, a move)
  • Financial stress
  • Relationship difficulties
  • History of abuse
  • Pregnancy loss or fertility issues
  • Inadequate social supports
  • Low socioeconomic status
  • Obstetric complications
  • Parent of multiples
  • Thyroid imbalance
  • Teen or younger parent [3-6]

Please know that just because you recognize a risk factor(s), it does NOT necessarily mean that you will experience perinatal anxiety. However, your risk may be elevated. Reach out to your health care provider to discuss any risks.

Treatment

It’s important to know that perinatal anxiety is a very common and real condition that is treatable. It’s not your fault and you are not alone.

Treatment options will vary from person to person and may include:

  • Self-help measures
    • Eat nutritious meals
    • Rest
    • Get outside
    • Exercise (as permitted by your health care provider)
    • Limit caffeine and sugar
    • Engage in self-care
    • Connect with social or peer supports
  • Therapy
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    • Mindfulness and/or relaxation techniques
    • Supportive or talk therapy
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Psychopharmacology

You may benefit from one or all of these measures. It’s important to find what works for you. However, do not delay getting support. The sooner you get support, the sooner you will feel better. Reaching out to your health care provider, therapist, and/or local support group is a good place to start.

Emergency Support

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact:

  • Your health care provider
  • Your local hospital or health centre
  • Dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number
  • Call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8

DISCLAIMER: The content of Postpartum Support Yukon‘s website, posts, and blogs does not constitute medical advice, nor is it an emergency service. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call, or go to, your health care provider, local emergency department, 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Postpartum Support Yukon is intended for informational purposes only.

References

  1. Falah-Hassani, K., Shiri, R., & Dennis, C. L. (2017). The prevalence of antenatal and postnatal co-morbid anxiety and depression: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med, 47(12), 2041-2053.
  2. Goodman, J. H., Watson, G. R., & Stubbs, B. (2016). Anxiety disorders in postpartum women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 203, 292-331.
  3. Beck CT. Predictors of postpartum depression: an update. Nurs Res. 2001 Sep-Oct;50(5):275-85. 
  4. Mahfoud, Z., Emam, R., Anchassi, D., Omran, S., Alhaj, N., Al-Abdulla, S., … & Al-Amin, H. (2019). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Arab women: Validation and cultural adaptation of the Arabic version of the premenstrual screening tool. Women & health, 59(6), 631-645.
  5. Mathisen, S. E., Glavin, K., Lien, L., & Lagerløv, P. (2013). Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms in Argentina: a cross-sectional study. International journal of women’s health, 5, 787.
  6. Kuijpens, J. L., Vader, H. L., Drexhage, H. A., Wiersinga, W. M., van Son, M. J., & Pop, V. J. (2001). Thyroid peroxidase antibodies during gestation are a marker for subsequent depression postpartum. European Journal of Endocrinology, 145(5), 579-584.