Antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety

Antenatal anxiety happens in pregnancy. Postnatal anxiety happens after birth.

Antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety: what are they?

For all parents, pregnancy and early parenthood are powerful and life-changing events. Adjusting to big changes can be stressful, and it’s natural to feel anxious and to worry during pregnancy or while caring for your new baby.

But worry or anxiety can be a problem if it happens all the time and gets in the way of your health, your daily life or your relationships. Because pregnancy and early parenthood are times of such big change, they’re also times when parents are more likely to have problems with anxiety.

Antenatal anxiety is anxiety that happens during pregnancy. Postnatal anxiety is anxiety that happens after birth. Antenatal and postnatal anxiety have the same symptoms and are managed in the same way. The only difference between them is the timing.

You might hear antenatal and postnatal anxiety referred to as perinatal anxiety.

Antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety are common mental health conditions and often happen together with antenatal and postnatal depression in pregnant women and birthing mothers and antenatal and postnatal depression in fathers and all non-birthing parents.

Symptoms of antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety

Physical symptoms
You might:

  • have trouble relaxing or sleeping, even when your baby is asleep
  • have tense muscles or a ‘tight’ chest
  • feel your heart racing
  • breathe faster
  • feel sweaty
  • have ‘pins and needles’ in your hands, feet or face
  • feel lightheaded or dizzy
  • have twitches or trembling
  • have a stomachache
  • have changes in your bowel habits.

Thinking and emotional symptoms
You might:

  • find it hard not to worry
  • have trouble concentrating
  • feel restless, irritable or on edge
  • get frustrated easily
  • feel panic or dread
  • have thoughts like ‘I can’t handle this’ or ‘I can’t calm down’
  • have thoughts about something bad happening to you, your baby or your partner.

Behaviour symptoms
You might:

  • avoid doing everyday tasks like going out
  • check on your baby constantly
  • have changes in your appetite or eating habits – for example, you might stop eating or start overeating.

What to do about symptoms of antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety

Most people have symptoms of anxiety every now and then. If symptoms don’t last long and don’t really interfere with daily life, it’s probably OK. You can manage these symptoms with practical strategies and help.

But here’s when to seek professional support:

  • You’re having some of the symptoms above nearly every day.
  • The symptoms are distressing or difficult to control.
  • The symptoms interfere with your health, your relationships or your ability to manage your daily life.

If you’re having thoughts about hurting yourself or your family, you should urgently speak to your doctor. If you believe that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call emergency services or go to your local hospital’s emergency department.

Practical strategies for antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety

Managing antenatal and postnatal anxiety is good for you, good for your baby, and good for your family.

Here are everyday tips to help you manage anxiety:

  • Talk to someone about how you’re feeling – your partner, a family member or trusted friend.
  • Keep a diary or journal to record your feelings. You might be able to see a pattern in how you feel in different situations. For example, you might notice that your heart starts racing whenever you go out with your baby.
  • Try breathing for relaxation, muscle relaxation, mindfulness or positive thinking exercises.
  • Practise self-compassion.
  • Look after yourself by doing regular physical activity and trying to eat healthy food.
  • Do activities that relax and recharge you, even if it’s only for a little while. This might be going for a walk, reading a book, having a relaxing bath or listening to a podcast.
  • Ask for and accept practical help from family and friends – for example, help with grocery shopping, cleaning and baby care.
  • Join a local or online support group to connect with others who might be in a similar situation and can share advice from their own experiences.

There are also online mental health resources that can help you manage your anxiety. 

If these everyday tips don’t help enough and you’re struggling to deal with your anxiety, seeking professional help is important. Mental health services are there to help you recover so that you can be the parent you want to be.

Professional help for antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety

If you have antenatal or postnatal anxiety symptoms that aren’t going away and are difficult to control, professional help is important for you and your baby.

Talking to your doctor about how you’re feeling is a great first step. Your doctor will talk with you about how to manage anxiety. They’ll also assess your symptoms and guide you to the most appropriate services and treatment options. This might include a referral to a psychologist. You can also go to the Australian Psychological Society’s website to find a psychologist.

Your doctor can give you a mental health treatment plan. You might also be able to get a rebate for a certain number of sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.

Other people and services that can help you with antenatal and postnatal anxiety include:

  • your obstetrician or midwife
  • your child and family health nurse
  • local mental health services
  • your local community health centre.

When you get the right support, it’ll help you feel better sooner.

Parents in LGBTIQ+ families might have to navigate additional challenges on their journey through pregnancy and after birth, like not having enough support and understanding of their needs. It’s good to let your doctor or another health professional know what you’re experiencing.

When your partner has antenatal anxiety or postnatal anxiety

If you have a partner with antenatal or postnatal anxiety, your support is very important in helping them feel better sooner. And when you and your partner are well, it helps you give your baby what they need to grow and thrive.

Here are things you can do to support your partner during this time:

  • Listen to your partner and reassure them that you’re there to support them and that things will get better.
  • Talk to your partner often and ask how they’re going. This will help you both be aware of any symptoms and changes.
  • Stay calm and help your partner use everyday anxiety strategies. For example, you could do breathing exercises together or make a relaxing walk part of your daily routine.
  • If everyday strategies don’t help your partner with managing anxiety, encourage them to seek professional help. You could look into options for your partner.
  • Help your partner with getting support. For example, you could book your partner’s appointments and go to them together.
  • Look at ways to give your partner more time to care for their wellbeing. For example, you might need to take on more baby care and housework for a while.

High-stress situations, trauma, a previous stillbirth or neonatal death, or family violence can increase your chance of developing anxiety and depression. If you’re experiencing any of these, or you have other problems or concerns, talk to your midwife, doctor or nurse. They can help you find the support you need so that you and your baby stay safe.