Postpartum anxiety is a relatively common condition that occurs after a person gives birth. There is a difference between postpartum anxiety and worrying. All new parents will experience worries about their baby, which is a normal part of the process.

However, if symptoms begin to affect your sleep, cause feelings of hurting yourself or your new baby, cause a new onset of depression, or make it difficult to care for yourself or your baby, it is more likely to be postpartum anxiety.

Postpartum Anxiety vs. Normal Worrying

There is a sharp and distinct difference between normal worries about a new baby and postpartum anxiety. Postpartum anxiety occurs when worry is so intense it interferes with a new parent’s ability to care for their newborn.

Postpartum anxiety signs include:

• Excessive worrying and obsessing over the health, safety, or development of the baby
• Feeling dread or a sense of danger
• Intrusive or racing thoughts that cannot be managed
• Overwhelming feelings of being burdened by parenthood
• Stress or concern about being a good parent
• Constant nervous energy
• Sleep issues
• Muscle tension
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Chills

What Causes Postpartum Anxiety?

Many things can drive the onset of postpartum anxiety, including:

• Shifts in hormones following birth
• Stress from caring for a new baby
• Not getting enough quality sleep
• Relationship changes that typically occur following the birth of a baby
• Societal pressures to be a perfect mother
• Medical history of anxiety or panic attacks
• Personal or family history of mood disorders
• Having previously experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth
• Having a baby who has health issues or who was born prematurely
• Having a high-risk pregnancy or experiencing complications during delivery

How to Manage Your Postpartum Anxiety

Medication Options

Depending on the severity, a healthcare provider may suggest antianxiety medications as a form of treatment. These drugs are typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally considered safe for use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Other medications that may be prescribed include anxiolytic drugs (drugs that treat anxiety) such as lorazepam and clonazepam. These are typically reserved for quick relief, while SSRIs take effect long-term.

Non-Medication Options

Nondrug therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and other techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and meditation, may be utilized for less severe cases. Other ways to treat postpartum anxiety without medication include:

• Maximizing sleep
• Spending time with other parents and caregivers
• Increasing physical activity
• Cuddling with the baby

Duration

Typically, postpartum anxiety is the worst right after delivery and in the following six weeks. That said, postpartum anxiety can develop at any point in the first year following birth and can worsen or improve in waves. If postpartum anxiety is left untreated, it will typically last longer than if you seek out support from a healthcare provider.

Screening to Confirm

Experts recommend that new parents get screened for postpartum anxiety and other postpartum anxiety disorders. The screening process uses the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which allows healthcare providers to determine if a person is experiencing a postnatal mood disorder or worrying following giving birth.

Another test, known as the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, may also be used to look for anxiety symptoms specifically, as the EPDS focuses more heavily on depression symptoms.

Places to Find Support

If you suspect you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety, there is the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA). It’s a free and confidential support system that can assist new parents in finding resources in their area and provide on-the-spot help.

Other resources include:

• Postpartum Support International Helpline
• Social service agencies
• Family resource centers
• Community centers
• Places of worship
• New parents support groups in your area

Prenatal Anxiety

Prenatal anxiety is another common anxiety disorder that occurs in expecting parents. It develops with similar symptoms seen in postpartum anxiety and can be caused by hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, and fears related to pregnancy driven by prior miscarriages.

Seeking support during pregnancy is vital because prenatal anxiety can increase the risk for several complications, including:

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Earlier gestational age
• Smaller head circumference

Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression

Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression are both relatively common among new parents. However, postpartum depression affects more people. While these conditions can be similar, they typically present with different symptoms. Postpartum depression is characterized by:

• Excessive sadness
• Crying
• Irritability
• Appetite changes
• Difficulty finding joy in life as a new parent

Summary

Postpartum anxiety is a relatively common affliction that makes it more challenging to care for yourself and a newborn. In some cases, a person may also experience symptoms of postpartum depression at the same time as anxiety, making it even more difficult.

The good news is that treatment and support can make managing the condition more effective. If you suspect you are experiencing postpartum anxiety, reach out to your healthcare provider for assistance.