Anxiety During Pregnancy and Beyond
When you go for your annual check-ups and prenatal appointments, you might find you are asked several questions about your mental health. These are usually focused on depression, substance use, and possibly even your own safety. But an area that does not seem to be as commonly addressed is the very common occurrence of anxiety during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Recent studies have found anxiety is even more common than depression during pregnancy and just as common during the postpartum period. It is possible you have struggled with anxiety in the past and it has intensified during this period, or this is your first time experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Pregnancy and motherhood come with both physical and emotional ups and downs. It is extraordinary that you can physically grow a person inside of you. You can feel your child moving, see its growth and development through sonograms, and you may even be one of the lucky ones who has healthier hair and skin while pregnant. Some women really do enjoy being pregnant.
During this period of time you will also experience the greatest variation in hormonal levels than any other period of your life, increasing the biological risk for anxiety and depression. Each woman’s physical symptoms can be unique, ranging from a few days of nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, or back pain, to several months, making day to day tasks significantly more challenging. The physical aspects of carrying a child, labor, delivery, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery come with a range of physical discomforts and medical complications. Not knowing what might happen medically and managing physical symptoms can also be difficult emotionally.
There are a range of positive experiences and emotions during pregnancy, for example, sharing good news, having celebrations, feeling a strong connection to your baby, excitement when preparing for parenthood, bonding with your partner, receiving support from loved ones, and ultimately seeing the baby for the first time.
It is also important to recognize other major areas of life that can be impacted. Relationships and socialization often shift as the baby becomes the priority. While you may feel supported by friends and family, you may also feel lonely, isolated, and worried about the future of your relationships. Your lifestyle and schedules may change, meaning you do not have as much time to focus on your own personal interests and activities that help to regulate emotions. Integrating your new identity as mother can be exciting and at the same time come into conflict with some of your previous roles.
Taking time off work and/or making the decision to stay home longer-term can shift career goals and progress. Shifting in and out can be difficult transitions, as you are definitely not getting “a break” or vacation in either circumstance. While parents do find balance between work and home life, it does take some time to establish new routines and set appropriate boundaries. Each family might also have different financial situations, making unpaid time off work sometimes very challenging. Babies (and kids) will increase expenses significantly, requiring more saving and budgeting.
While some women have had quite a bit of experience with babysitting, nannying, or childcare, some feel an enormous lack of knowledge and confidence. Taking care of your child has a large learning curve, which can result in self-doubt along the way. Anxious thoughts related to doing the right thing, safety, and the child’s future are very common, but can also become overly distressing and even debilitating. The way you react to these thoughts plays a large role in how you will feel in both the short-run and long-run.
Since there is a lot of uncertainty when having a child, you might think worrying and anxiety is just part of the deal and there is not much you can do about it. Instead of feeling like you have to just push through, remember there are helpful resources available.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered the first-line psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. It can be used to help you manage symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy as well as once your baby is born. Strategies related to understanding your patterns and triggers, addressing cognitive errors, approaching fearful situations, and assertive communication can help you move through this amazing and also really complicated time. By addressing your anxious thoughts and behaviors, you can be in a better place yourself, and therefore be able to be more present for your family.
Looking for support during your pregnancy or postpartum period? Get connected with Dr. Umbach below!