If you’re feeling anxious during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Many women experience some level of anxiety during this time. In fact, it’s the most common emotion during pregnancy. While some anxiety is normal and can even be helpful, too much anxiety can be tough to manage and can continue postpartum.
If you’re struggling with anxiety during pregnancy, know that you’re not alone and there are things you can do to feel better.
An Estimated 1 in 5 Women Experience Anxiety During Pregnancy
While feeling anxious while pregnant is a normal experience, it’s still something to be mindful of and seek help managing if it becomes overwhelming. Not taking the time to manage your mental health can have long-term effects on both mum and baby.
It’s important to take the time for self-care. Finding out what works best for you, whether that be yoga, going for walks, talking with a friend or seeing a therapist about coping techniques. These are all great options for finding relief from anxiety during pregnancy, and beyond.
Identifying Anxiety Triggers In Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time filled with many emotions, and oftentimes those run the gamut from joy and excitement, to fear and anxiety. Identifying what can be triggering that anxiety is an important step on the road to managing it and having a healthy, full term pregnancy.
Hormonal changes are a very common cause for increased levels of stress among expectant mothers. Additionally, life events and stressors unrelated to the pregnancy itself can contribute to a feeling of unease for an expecting mother. Finally, lack of restful sleep has been shown to be one more trigger for anxiety during pregnancy and those predisposed to anxiety may also notice increased levels of anxiety during pregnancy.
It’s very important for pregnant women to understand all of the different elements that can play into how they’re feeling emotionally, so they can begin working toward making adjustments that make them feel supported and in control of their journey.
Managing Anxiety During Pregnancy
Managing anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of things you can do to help navigate those feelings. Exercise has been proven to be a great way to distract and relax your body as well as increase ‘feel good’ hormones within your body. Relaxation techniques such as mindful meditation, deep breathing and visualisation can all be great tools to use when feeling anxious.
Talking to someone you trust can also be a great and safe environment in which to express your feelings without judgement. Remember, reaching out for help should never be seen as a sign of weakness.
Seeking Professional Help For Anxiety During Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience many changes and life events that can lead to feelings of anxiety. While feeling anxious or worried is a normal emotion, if it starts to interfere with your daily life then it can become a problem. That’s why seeking professional help from an appropriately qualified therapist or psychologist is so important – someone who has experience in treating pregnant women specifically can offer targeted, tailored therapy for you.
From providing valuable coping strategies to helping you process emotions more effectively, a specialist can provide the relevant and individualised support needed to get you through this period in your life. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge – reaching out for help might be just what you need.
Final Thoughts On Anxiety During Pregnancy
Anxiety during pregnancy is common and you do not have to suffer on your own. There are many different elements that can trigger anxiety during pregnancy, but luckily there are also many things you can do to ease your symptoms.
If you’re feeling anxious, try exercising, practising relaxation techniques, and talking to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, or you are finding it hard to cope on your own, seek professional help from a therapist or psychologist who specialises in treating pregnant women suffering with anxiety.