Antenatal Anxiety

I’m pregnant and I’m anxious…

Have you just found out you are pregnant?
Are you feeling flooded with a range of emotions? Happy? Sad? Excited? Anxious?

Isn’t it amazing that your body can be so busy creating a space for a little human to grow and there is still room for so many emotions to wreak havoc as well. Whilst it is normal to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy an increase in anxiety can cause functional distress and impairment.

Antenatal anxiety is very much under-diagnosed but reported cases show that 10-20%* of women in Australia experience clinical levels of anxiety during pregnancy.

So, what is antenatal anxiety?

Antenatal anxiety relates to the period prior to the birth of your child and encompasses worries and fears about pregnancy and becoming a parent. Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling nervous and stressed with persistent worry about the health and wellbeing of the unborn baby.

  • Fear about pregnancy, birth or becoming a parent.

  • Racing thoughts

  • Rapid breathing and heart racing

  • Tension in muscles

  • Changes in appetite, libido, and sleep patterns.

  • Withdrawal or avoidance of friends, family, or enjoyable activities.

What can you do about it?

  • Take time each day to do something soothing for yourself
    (e.g. going for a walk, reading a book, listening to music, taking a bath)

  • Connect with your partner, friends, and family. Let them know how you are feeling.

  • Talk with your GP or midwife about your concerns.

  • Seek support from a mental health professional.

  • Head to https://panda.org.au/

Feelings come and go throughout your pregnancy however if you are noticing an increase in anxiety that is causing you distress, reach out for support. You are not alone in this journey.

*Black Dog Institute, 2022

Author: Stephanie Stokes, Provisional Psychologist at Evolve Wellbeing
Learn more about Stephanie here: https://www.evolvewellbeing.com.au/steph-stokes-bio

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