Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety Before and After Childbirth
Anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth is common, but it can take on many different forms. We often hear the term “postpartum anxiety” used to describe anxious feelings after having a baby, but in reality, it encompasses several distinct types of anxiety disorders that can occur both during pregnancy and postpartum. At Houston Center for Valued Living, we understand that anxiety during this period can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help you navigate these challenges.
Types of Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Here are the most common types of anxiety disorders that can show up during pregnancy or after childbirth, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
This type of anxiety involves persistent and excessive worry about various things, such as the baby’s health, parenting abilities, or unrelated life stressors. The worry feels difficult to control and is often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.
Example: Samantha constantly worried about her ability to breastfeed her baby, even though her pediatrician reassured her that the baby was gaining weight perfectly. The worry never stopped, and she found herself obsessively checking her baby’s feeding schedule.
Panic Disorder:
Panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath, and can come without warning, leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
Example: Jessica experienced her first panic attack while walking with her baby. Her heart started racing, and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. It came out of nowhere, leaving her anxious about when the next attack might occur.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
OCD often involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to try to alleviate those fears. For example, a mom might have persistent fears of accidentally harming her baby, leading to excessive checking behaviors or rituals.
Example: Katie worried constantly about her baby’s safety and found herself checking on the baby multiple times every night, even when she knew the baby was fine.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
For some women, traumatic birth experiences or pregnancy complications can lead to PTSD. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, or intense anxiety when thinking about future pregnancies or birth.
Example: After a traumatic delivery, Sarah found herself reliving the birth experience through flashbacks and avoided talking about it, fearing the emotions it would bring up.
Common Symptoms of Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety
Whether you’re pregnant or recently gave birth, anxiety can show up in various ways, including:
- Constant worry or a sense of dread
- Racing thoughts or difficulty focusing
- Feeling restless, “on edge,” or unable to relax
- Difficulty sleeping, even when you’re exhausted
- Physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat
- Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby or yourself
It’s important to understand that anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum are not just “nerves” or a natural adjustment to motherhood. If anxiety is impacting your ability to enjoy this period or causing distress, it’s a sign that you may benefit from professional support.
Why Seek Help for Anxiety?
While anxiety can be a normal response to new experiences, persistent anxiety—especially during pregnancy and postpartum—can have a significant impact on your well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can worsen, affect your relationships, and make it harder to bond with your baby. Therapy can provide the tools to help you manage your anxiety and regain control of your emotional health.
At Houston Center for Valued Living, we offer evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help you manage your anxiety symptoms and navigate this time with confidence.
How Therapy Can Help
Whether you’re pregnant or adjusting to life as a new mom, therapy can offer a space to work through your anxiety. We’ll help you identify your triggers, develop strategies to manage intrusive thoughts, and create personalized coping mechanisms that support your emotional well-being. Our therapists understand the unique challenges of motherhood and are here to support you through every stage.
Take the First Step
If you’re struggling with anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum, it’s okay to seek help. Contact Houston Center for Valued Living to schedule an appointment and start managing your anxiety with personalized, compassionate care.