Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Anxiety means feeling very worried about things, like your health or your baby's health. It's common to have some worry while you're pregnant and after childbirth. But if it lasts more than 2 weeks, your doctor will want to know. Together, you can find ways to help you feel better. One symptom of anxiety is not being able to stop worrying. Other symptoms include feeling nervous or irritable. You may not be able to concentrate. And you may feel very tired (fatigued). You may also have headaches, nausea, stomach pain, or trouble sleeping. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. You may be asked about your past health and any medicines you take. Your doctor may ask questions to rule out other health conditions, such as depression. You may have a physical exam. Anxiety is treated with a type of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy. It may also be treated with medicines. Self-care can also help, like getting enough sleep and doing things that help you relax. Ask your doctor about the different types of treatment. Then you can decide together about what might work for you. Here are some things you can do if you have anxiety during or after pregnancy. Try to attend all of your counseling sessions. If you have trouble taking your medicines, talk to your doctor. Avoid food and drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee or energy drinks. Caffeine may make anxiety worse. You could do things like walking or swimming. If you are still bleeding from childbirth, wait until the bleeding stops to swim. Try to get at least one full night of sleep each week. If you breastfeed, you may want to pump and store milk so someone else can feed the baby while you sleep. You could try deep breathing exercises. There are smartphone apps that can help you learn how. If you need help quitting or cutting back, talk to your doctor. Consider joining a support group for people with anxiety during and after pregnancy. Go to www.postpartum.net to find an online support group. Or ask your doctor about support groups in your area. You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support. Depression and anxiety can sometimes happen at the same time. If you feel sad, depressed, or hopeless, and it lasts for more than 2 weeks, tell your doctor right away. If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can go to 988lifeline.org or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Or text HOME to 741741. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Anxiety During and After Pregnancy
Condition Basics
What is anxiety during
and after pregnancy?
What are the
symptoms?
How is it
diagnosed?
How is anxiety during and after pregnancy treated?
How can you care for
yourself at home?
Health Tools
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardAnxiety During and After Pregnancy
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.