What To Do If You Feel Anxiety During Pregnancy?

What To Do If You Feel Anxiety During Pregnancy?

21 Nov 2022 | 3 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

The period of pregnancy is thrilling. You’re about to become a mother to a cute, little human. You could expect the emotional journey that occurs with being pregnant, or it might surprise you. Some women marvel at their changing bodies, feeling excitement at every flicker or kick, while some experience anxiety during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be challenging since it provides no relief from the intense exhaustion, mood fluctuations, and continuing worries it creates. You might have noticed that as each month goes by, your thoughts are getting out of control and interfering with both your work and your relationships. But how can you manage anxiety during pregnancy, and is medication necessary? 

Why Do I Experience Anxiety During Pregnancy?

Postpartum depression is a significant risk for women after giving birth, as you may have heard. However, other mental health issues could impact your pregnancy. Anxiety affects more than one in ten pregnant women at some stage.

While your anxiety could worsen during pregnancy, some women find that their symptoms lessen. After all, not all of the things that give you anxiety are under your control. The chemicals in your brain may change as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. This might make you anxious. The time of pregnancy is also one of significant transformation. While some of these emotions and experiences are pleasant, others are downright unsettling.

Excessive routine stress can cause anxiety during pregnancy/ Image source: Freepik

Pregnancy-related anxiety risk factors include:

While anxiety during pregnancy can affect anyone, some risk factors may be involved, such as:

  • Family history of panic or anxiety disorders.
  • Personal experience with sadness, panic attacks, or anxiety.
  • Existing trauma
  • Use of some illicit substances.
  • Excessive routine stress

Anxiety During Pregnancy: Treatment

Although it’s a beneficial idea to discuss your feelings with your doctor, mild bouts of anxiety typically don’t need any special treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medication in extreme circumstances after assessing the advantages and disadvantages.

  • Take part in regular exercise: Physical activity is generally safe to do when pregnant. However, consult your physician first if you’re at risk for premature labour or have pregnancy issues.
  • Journaling: Writing about your troubles gives you the chance to think through potential answers and to reflect on them.
  • Ensure you get enough rest: Now is the moment to figure out what helps you sleep, whether it’s a relaxing nighttime routine, a pregnant cushion, or a few nights spent in a bed without your snoring partner.
Meditation and yoga help to calm anxiety during pregnancy/ Image source: Freepik
  • Acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and massage: It could take some trial and error to find relaxation techniques that are effective for you, but their advantages will last long after the baby is born.
  • Engage in mindfulness: According to research, mindfulness may lessen labour-related fears and possibly shield new mothers from postpartum depression.

Anxiety is typical throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, because it is so individualised, what may be effective for another pregnant woman may not be effective for you. Try some stress-reduction tactics, keep your doctor informed, and maintain open communication with the people you love.

The sooner you seek assistance, the sooner you’ll be able to take care of your mental health and the well-being of your developing child.

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Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.