Postpartum Anxiety and Tips for Moms Who Have It

What is postpartum anxiety? Why does it happen? What can you do if you or anyone you know are experiencing anxiety after giving birth?

Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is a mental disorder experienced by moms who have recently given birth or around the recovery period of 6 months to a year.

Awareness of postpartum anxiety is not as full-blown as information on postnatal depression that moms get access to.

Unfortunately, the discussion about this particular maternal mental disorder has less searchable information on the web either.

According to Postpartum Support International on Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum, “Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety. Sometimes they experience anxiety alone, and sometimes they experience it in addition to depression.”

Another study by Lorraine Byrnes Ph.D., PMHNP-BC that 11-21% of US women are vulnerable in the perinatal and postpartum period to develop anxiety disorders.

Many moms face this period of distress as they transition into their new role as mothers and even as mothers who have had more children. PPA doesn’t pick its host. It settles within whether you are ready or not.

When can Postpartum Anxiety occur? How long does it last?

It sets in anytime during your postpartum period; it can be as early as a few weeks and as late as a year or so after.

But, when it shows itself, you may not realize that it has. It can crawl slowly unnoticed, or it can be as loudly stumping around you.

Any mom can experience it once or more times in succeeding deliveries. I had it with all three of my babies, three distinct pregnancies, and experiences.

If you had postnatal anxiety after your first baby, you might or might not experience it after the next child. Everyone is different, and each pregnancy/recovery is unique.

An epidemiological study on women at Chaim Sheba Medical Center maternity ward indicates that approximately 40% of women postpartum experienced severe anxiety. 

Moms experiencing postnatal anxiety can last an extended time without proper treatment and support. The recovery from anxiety will depend on the severity of her status, when she reached out for help, whether she has a supportive circle, and her willingness to commit to helping herself get better.

There are many circumstances that moms learn how to manage their anxiety in their day-to-day living, and it’s entirely possible to attain it with proper care and treatment.

Why does it happen? Causes and Risk Factors for Moms

When moms cross the threshold of birth, the hormones can shift significantly in the body.

It can cause massive changes because hormones are decreasing abruptly, such as estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, other hormones are increasing after birth, like prolactin, oxytocin, and thyroid hormones.

Also, the chance of experiencing postnatal anxiety increases with every delivery. 

In general, causes are unknown; however, risk factors can contribute to the PPA setting in.

The risk factors that may increase your risk of experiencing Postnatal Anxiety:

• Anxiety (personal or family history)

• Previous experience with anxiety or depression

• Difficult pregnancy

• Trauma at birth/PTSD

• Sleeplessness/Sleep disruptions

• Thyroid imbalances

• Medical Problems (Baby or Mom)

• Other mental disorders 

• Postpartum Obsessive-compulsive disorder (POCD)

• Pregnancy Loss/Stillbirth

Even if you don’t fall into the categories above, you can still experience PPA during the first week to a year after birth. Therefore, it’s best to know PPA and continue to work closely with your doctor during postpartum recovery and postpartum visits.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can be seen as usual around your recovery. However, when it interferes with your thoughts, emotions, and daily living, it can pose a threat to your wellbeing and even your newborn.

• Trouble sleeping

• Constant Excessive Worry

• Sleep and Eating Disturbance

• Increased Heart Rate, or Palpitations

• Increased Respirations, and Blood Pressure

• Dizziness, Headache, Being Flushed, Excessive Sweat

• Stomach Pain and Nausea

• Panic Attacks

• Racing Thoughts

• Feelings of impending doom or death

• Unable to relax and be still

• Irritable and sometimes anger

• Feelings of Overwhelm and Distress

• Inability to focus

• Memory Lapses

RELATED POST: My Personal Story of Postpartum Anxiety

Treatment and Help for Moms with Postnatal Anxiety

Your healthcare provider will screen you for perinatal mental disorders, including postpartum anxiety using a standard screening. 

Some providers may screen you a few weeks before the due date to anticipate postnatal anxiety signs and symptoms, especially if you’re high risk.

You may undergo a complete psychiatric evaluation by a licensed mental health professional to determine the cause of anxiety (whether caused by other factors). 

Although you can quickly look up symptoms online, be sure to visit a doctor for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

Knowing what your treatment options are and when to ask for help

Reach out to your doctor when symptoms occur early on. It’s crucial to bring attention to what you’re experiencing to your doctor so interventions can begin.

The treatment can start with a non-medication approach and therapeutic counseling. 

When symptoms become severe, you may be prescribed medications and other supportive supplements by your doctor. 

If you are worried about taking medications when breastfeeding, please talk with your doctor and pediatrician. They can give you the best advice on how to move forward with this treatment option.

Your support system can also help you be alert; they’re the ones you encounter daily or sometime during your recovery and the vulnerable postpartum period. 

Other modalities can help moms with postnatal anxiety, such as guided meditations, cognitive behavior therapy, or essential oils. These alternative methods in managing anxiety for moms can get added to your primary treatment mentioned above.

Joining a mom group can also help with belonging to a community that understands what you’re going through and can support moms experiencing PA. I was fortunate enough to find a support group when I was on the difficult journey of postpartum anxiety.

For immediate help, call 911. Also, call the SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Please don’t hesitate to call.

Can you also get perinatal anxiety?

Yes, it can happen, especially to first-time moms—the fear of the unknown and fear of birth (voiced out or unspoken). 

When new moms encounter worries around labor and delivery, it can predispose them to have perinatal and postpartum anxiety or other perinatal mental disorders.

Also, moms told that their babies might have abnormalities or die at birth or soon after. In addition, postnatal anxiety is seen among those already distressed pregnant moms. 

Even moms who already delivered other children, perinatal anxiety can set in. 

For Moms who had previous losses, it can increase their risks of perinatal anxiety occurring. Therefore, it’s essential to have strong support and follow-up.

Sometimes, moms who work outside the home can also experience ongoing anxiety and go back to work after the baby’s birth.

Any scenario involving moms can give way to stress and eventually develop into PA.

Tips on New Moms with Postnatal Anxiety

1. Be aware of yourself (emotions, thoughts, and other changes) and your recovery.

2. Acknowledge your fears and worries (labor, delivery, and recovery).

3. Seek out help from your doctor and other healthcare professionals.

4. Have a solid supportive circle around pregnancy and postpartum. If you’re at high risk, your spouse can also be another eye to monitor signs and symptoms of PA.

5. Take it easy during your recovery period. (Easier said than acted on, but it’s achievable with help).

6. Remember to care for yourself and make time. (Self-Care for Moms).

7. Bonding with your baby may be delayed because of your condition; know that you aren’t failing your baby.

8. Write down your experience – labor, birth, recovery (only if it’s not triggering you). Write everything out to keep your mind out of it or talk it out with someone. 

9. You can meditate and pray. Let your mind re-focused on the positive. Practice deep breathing every day. Pray for the strength you need and guidance to overcome this trial. 

10. Give yourself love and take it one step at a time. 

Ways you can support someone with Anxiety after Birth

• Be ready to listen with no judgment.

• Encourage the mom to seek help and check in regularly.

• Ask what you can do to help her. Sometimes, the mom will decline your help. But, if there’s an opportunity to do something at home, do it.

• You may see her cry, rage, panic, or be apathetic. Try to understand her raw emotions.

• Show her that she is loved and supported.

• Pray for her and offer some encouraging words (Bible verses, other religious statements based on her affiliation preference).

Words of Encouragement for Moms who has Postpartum Anxiety

Mama, you are enough, beautiful, the mom your baby needs, and you are supported. You may not feel yourself at this moment. You may blame yourself for what’s happening.

Know that it isn’t your fault or undoing. When you seek help, you are the bravest. You put yourself first and find what works. It may not come easy, but it will get better as time goes.

Getting your anxiety under control and treated can help you heal and recover. In addition, working through your anxiety can improve the state of your life. Finally, enjoy your motherhood experience with your newborn.

Disclaimer: Although The Motherly Heap strives to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional.

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