Am I Experiencing Postpartum Anxiety? A Guide for Understanding the Symptoms

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, you naturally start planning for this next chapter of life. You’re expanding your family. You’re creating a new life. This journey you’re about to embark on is life-changing.

Once the baby is born, the picture that often gets painted is one of pure joy and happiness. People rarely portray their struggles. The long nights of disrupted sleep, the stress, challenges with feeding, and changes in your body, physical and hormonal. Becoming a mother can bring great joy, but it can also be a very difficult adjustment and impact mental health.

When planning for what comes next, it’s important to be aware of the various mental health challenges that can arise during and after pregnancy. It can be shocking and scary when we feel sadness, worry, and fear at a time that we think is supposed to bring so much joy.

You might wonder: Are the thoughts and feeling I’m having normal? Is something not quite right here?

There is a difference between the kind of worrying that all new parents feel and experiencing postpartum anxiety as part of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD).

Here, we’ll take a deeper dive into what postpartum anxiety really is.

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety

You may have already heard of the term postpartum depression. It’s become more of a commonplace topic in the world and often discussed in relation to pregnancy and the postpartum time of life. But what about other postpartum related diagnoses like postpartum anxiety?

For many, even those who already have been dealing with some version of anxiety before their pregnancy, postpartum anxiety disorders may not be something you are aware can happen until you are pregnant and give birth.

The Constant Worrying

When you have a new baby, of course you’re going to worry. You’re the parent and your most important job is to protect your child. It’s normal to be on the lookout for their well-being and even to be very vigilant about this.

What this worrying shouldn’t do is cause you severe distress or send you spiraling at all hours of the day. Postpartum anxiety may manifest as intrusive thoughts and a constant worry that something bad will happen to your baby. You may also find yourself having anxiety that no one else is capable or qualified to watch the baby, including close relatives—or even your partner. When this worrying starts to interfere with your ability to function or if the thoughts feel scary or distressing, that is a sign you may be experiencing postpartum anxiety.

Frequent Check-Ins

This can manifest in multiple ways. When your baby is napping or out of your direct sight, do you find yourself constantly checking on them? Do you struggle to walk away for a moment, knowing your baby is in a protected environment?

When you are separated from your baby, do you find yourself constantly checking in on them and whoever is watching them? Do you avoid certain social situations because you’re afraid to leave the baby?

You might struggle to engage in any care for yourself because you are worried something bad will happen to your baby. It can absolutely be difficult to allow another caregiver to hold or care for them. Yet, perhaps your thoughts become so unsettling that you feel a loss of control over them. You might feel like it is hard to relax or connect with your baby. All of these can be considered postpartum anxiety symptoms.

Sleep Disturbances

Almost every parent out there will tell you the first months after having a new baby are going to be rough where sleep is concerned. Maybe your baby will only sleep when being held or stays awake all night. Sleep schedules seem like an illusion and you’re on an unknown and unpredictable time clock. You hear “sleep when the baby sleeps” and that seems absolutely impossible.

Your eight hours each night are going to be interrupted. You’re going to be tired. All of this is normal But if you’re having a hard time sleeping—even when the opportunity arises—and spend most of this time worrying, it could be indicative of postpartum anxiety.

Physical Symptoms

Additionally, you may be experiencing more common physical symptoms. Common postpartum anxiety physical symptoms may include having a racing heart rate or rapid breathing. You may experience stomach issues or frequent nausea. There may be feelings of restlessness or the inability to sit still.

Getting Help

If you think you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety, it’s important that you speak with your healthcare provider or a therapist trained in this area. You are not alone. With the right support, you can find ways to manage your anxiety and return to making enjoyable memories with your family. I invite you to use my contact information to schedule your first appointment.