Postpartum Anxiety

Compassionate care when worries run high

Welcoming a new baby brings big changes, and big changes can bring unexpected emotions. You may develop the “baby blues,” in which you feel sad or a bit tearful as you adjust to life with a new baby. Still, having a baby can come with more intense sadness known as postpartum depression. 

An even more common condition we see at Reid Health is postpartum anxiety: feelings of constant worry, racing thoughts, or a sense of dread. Nearly 20% of women (and up to 10% of new fathers) who have had a baby experience postpartum anxiety, and it is a very treatable condition. 

Your mental health matters. Our women’s health and behavioral health providers specialize in helping women reclaim their emotional well-being after having a baby. With compassionate support and medical care, we’ve assisted women across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio as they navigate postpartum anxiety and many other mental health conditions.

What is postpartum anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety is a mental health condition marked by intense, long-lasting worry, panic, and feelings of overwhelm after giving birth. Although it is normal to care about your baby’s safety, these feelings go beyond typical new baby concerns and seriously interfere with your daily life. 

Unlike the baby blues, which usually fade within two weeks, postpartum anxiety can interfere with your daily life. It often leaves you in a constant state of “fight or flight.” You may feel as though something bad is about to happen, even when things are going well.

When does postpartum anxiety start?

Postpartum anxiety can begin at any point during the first year after childbirth. Some women notice symptoms within days of coming home from the hospital. Others may not feel the full impact until several months later. In some cases, anxiety starts during pregnancy, which is known as prenatal anxiety.

Postpartum anxiety vs. postpartum depression

It is easy to confuse these two conditions. In fact, many women experience postpartum depression and anxiety at the same time. 

The main difference is the primary emotion you feel. Postpartum depression often causes feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in things you used to love. Postpartum anxiety focuses more on fear. You may feel “on edge” or experience physical symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath. 

In addition, depression may make it hard to get out of bed, but anxiety often makes it impossible to sit still or sleep.

What causes postpartum anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety has no single cause. It is usually related to a combination of physical and emotional factors. After birth, your body experiences a large drop in hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. This shift can affect mood-regulating chemicals in your brain. 

Other factors linked to an increased risk for developing postpartum anxiety include: 

• A history of pregnancy loss or a traumatic birth
• Feeling stressed about your baby’s health or feeding
• Lack of sleep and physical exhaustion
• Lack of support from family members or friends
• A personal or family history of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder

Postpartum anxiety symptoms

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety can be emotional and physical. Many women describe a “constant motor” running in their heads. 

Common emotional signs of postpartum anxiety include: 

• Excessive worry: You might be afraid you will drop your baby or something will happen to them while they sleep.
• Intrusive thoughts: These are scary, repetitive images or thoughts about harm coming to your baby.
• Irritability: You might snap at your partner or other children or become easily frustrated with them.
• Problems concentrating: You may find it hard to focus on simple tasks. 

Physical symptoms might include: 

• Dizziness
• A general sense of restlessness
• Insomnia (even when your baby is sleeping peacefully)
• Nausea
• Pain, whether from a headache, backache, or other source
• Panic attacks
• Racing heart
• Shortness of breath 

How long can postpartum anxiety last? 

Without treatment, postpartum anxiety can last for many months. It does not usually go away on its own. However, the right care and treat

Postpartum anxiety disorder treatment

Personalized care can help you find relief. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder, and behavioral health providers may treat it similarly to other anxiety disorders, such as GAD.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first treatment behavioral health providers recommend for GAD, which is the most common type of anxiety disorder, and it appears to help women manage postpartum anxiety as well. CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones.

Medications for postpartum anxiety

Many women worry about taking mental health medications while breastfeeding or pregnant. Our team understands these concerns. If you need medication, our specialists can work with you to find an effective, safe option for you and your baby.

How to deal with postpartum anxiety: Lifestyle changes

In addition to medical care, lifestyle changes can help manage your symptoms:

• Ask for help: Let family members handle chores or watch the baby so you can rest. Attend a support group, where you can find other moms experienciing similar emotions.
• Create healthy routines: Routines can give you a sense of control over your environment. Try to eat and sleep on a regular schedule (which gets easier if you ask for help!).
• Find anxiety to be active: Exercicse helps reduce stress and anxiety. A short walk with your baby or simple stretches during the day may give your mood a lift.