Postpartum anxiety is sometimes overlooked and is taken for something natural and normal postpartum. Every new mom and especially first time mom is worried about “doing thing right” and taking the best care of their baby. The transition to motherhood when a maiden becomes a mother is hard and is often associated with stress and anxiety.
Anxiety is a common response to any major life change or transition, and pregnancy and birth is no exception. What is important is to recognize that postpartum anxiety is a real and is a disorder that can be treated. Thankfully, you can learn to cope with and manage your anxious feelings throughout your postpartum period.
What Are the Symptoms of postpartum Anxiety?
It’s important to know the difference between normal stress and worry and the symptoms of postpartum anxiety. While every new mother might experience a little worrying at times, feelings of anxiety are often much more intense.
Some of the most common symptoms of prenatal anxiety include:
- Constant worrying
- The fear that something terrible will happen
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
- “Scary” intrusive thoughts
- Scared of being alone with the baby
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Anger/rage
- Feeling of hopelessness and helplessness.
Physical symptoms like nausea, hot flashes, palpitations, and dizziness can be signs that you are dealing with anxiety.
Risk Factors:
If you have previously struggled with depression or anxiety, you may be at a greater risk of developing it during pregnancy and after birth.
Pregnancy complications, traumatic birth or other stressful factors in your life can also put you at a greater risk for postpartum anxiety. Even the best-laid plans do not always go as you might expect them. If your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period is not as smooth as you expected, that will likely only add to your anxiety.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Professional
You might think that some general worrying is normal in pregnancy and postpartum and that is partially true. After all, everyone wants their baby to be healthy and happy. However excessive fears and worries can start to take over your life and impact you, as noted by the symptoms above.
But how can you know when it is the right time to seek out help?
If you have felt anxious for more than two weeks of your pregnancy or postpartum, with constant worry and racing thoughts, talk to your therapist or your medical provider. If you feel as though you cannot control these thoughts or unpleasant thoughts keep returning, it’s also important to seek out help.