What is anxiety during pregnancy?

Anxiety during pregnancy (also known as antenatal anxiety) is when you or your partner feels more anxious than usual during your pregnancy.

Feeling worried and anxious is normal during times of great change, for example, when you're pregnant. If you can't easily control your worries or they are constant, you may be living with anxiety. Anxiety can affect your wellbeing and how you function.

During pregnancy, you can develop a range of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic and social anxiety disorders.

Anxiety is a common mental health challenge. It is even more common during pregnancy.

Many people assume that their symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy and do not look for help. You do not have to go through this alone, there is support available.

What's the difference between anxiety and depression during pregnancy?

Many people living with anxiety also struggle with depression during pregnancy.

If you have depression, you may have these symptoms for at least 2 weeks:

• low mood and feelings of hopelessness
• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• feeling trapped or like you're in a dark tunnel with no way to escape
• difficulty sleeping or eating normally
• losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• negative thoughts that won't go away

Read about mental wellbeing during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy?

You may be experiencing anxiety, if you have any of these symptoms:

• often feeling nervous and panicky
• feeling tired all the time or low on energy
• always worried for your baby's health and wellbeing
• difficulty focusing, concentrating or remembering things
• sleeping problems
• panic attacks
• mood swings

Anxiety is usually the most severe during your first and third trimesters. Your symptoms can range from mild to severe. Your symptoms can get worse if you do not receive treatment.

What causes anxiety in pregnancy?

You may be more likely to develop anxiety in pregnancy if you:

• suffered abuse in the past
• experienced past mental health challenges, for example an eating disorder or anxiety disorder
• have pregnancy complications
• have experienced a pregnancy loss or a traumatic birth
• are experiencing stress in your personal life
• do not have a supportive partner or social support

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor or midwife if:

• you or people around you are worried you are living with anxiety while you're pregnant
• your anxiety treatment is not helping your symptoms
• you're planning a future pregnancy and want support to manage or prevent feelings of anxiety

To find a doctor or maternal, child and family health service near you, use the Pregnancy Birth and Baby Service Finder tool.

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

How is anxiety in pregnancy diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety by asking about your feelings and symptoms. They might also use a questionnaire to check your anxiety levels. Your doctor will try to rule out other causes like thyroid problems, lack of sleep or depression.

Just as your doctor checks your physical health at your pregnancy appointments, they also check your mental health at every appointment.

Try to answer questions as honestly as you can. This will make it easier for your doctor or nurse to give you the treatment and support you need. Remember, anxiety during pregnancy is common. There is no need to feel ashamed.

Sometimes anxiety during pregnancy can be missed by your healthcare team. It can also take time to diagnose. This may be because you or your healthcare team mistake the symptoms for other pregnancy related changes.

How is anxiety treated in pregnancy?

If you are experiencing anxiety during pregnancy, your treatment may include:

• antenatal education — advice about preparing for birth and parenting, staying active during pregnancy and building support networks
• psychological support — cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness or group therapy
• medicines if your symptoms are severe

As part of shared decision making, together with your health professional, you will decide which treatments are best for you. If your doctor recommends medicines, they will discuss with you any side effects and explain which medicines are safe to take during pregnancy. This will help you make an informed decision.

With your consent, your doctor or midwife may refer you to other healthcare professionals for treatment, including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers.

Your healthcare team will try to support you in a way that is appropriate for your culture and background.

Your access to specialist health services may be different if you live in a rural or remote area. Read more on health services for rural families.

Living with anxiety in pregnancy

If you are living with anxiety while you're pregnant, you may find it helpful to speak with other people who have gone through or are going through similar challenges. Talking to others can help you feel less alone. It can be comforting to meet someone who understands what you are going through.

Self care

Here are some tips to help you cope with anxiety in pregnancy:

• Practise deep breathing and relaxation to help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Stay active by doing some physical activity, such as walking, swimming and yoga. Discuss with your doctor what types of physical activity are safe for you.
• Keep a diary. Writing down your worries can help you notice patterns and find solutions.
• Do activities that help you relax, such as reading a book, taking a bath, listening to a podcast or doing something creative.
• Accept practical help from your family and friends.
• Be kind to yourself.
• Try to get enough rest and sleep. Create a calming bedtime routine.

What are the complications of anxiety in pregnancy?

If you are living with anxiety while you're pregnant, you're more likely to develop complications such as:

• postnatal depression
• pre-eclampsia
• some pregnancy complications
• challenges in bonding with your baby

Anxiety in pregnancy can also affect your baby. It may increase their chance of:

• being born prematurely
• being born with a low birth weight
• having developmental differences

These complications show how important it is that you get support and treatment for anxiety during your pregnancy if you need it. Your baby will also benefit.

Can anxiety in pregnancy be prevented?

You can try to prevent anxiety in pregnancy by:

• learning about anxiety during your pregnancy, so you can recognise the signs
• learning how to find support near you if and when you need it
• creating a treatment plan to manage anxiety if you are living with a mental health condition before or during your pregnancy
• taking medicines your doctor prescribes during your pregnancy or beforehand (your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits of taking medicines and how it could affect you and your baby)
• setting up social and practical support to help you cope during your pregnancy

Resources and support

• Learn more about pregnancy anxiety on the COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) website.
• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and their first year of parenthood. Call their national helpline on 1300 726 306.
• The Gidget Foundation Australia supports the emotional wellbeing of expectant, new and potential parents through a range of services and specialist care.
• The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby video call service allows you to speak face-to-face with a maternal child health nurse. Video call is a free service and is available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Languages other than English

• The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has a catalogue of health resources, available in more than 70 community languages.
• PANDA have a checklist available in many languages to understand how you're feeling and if you might need support.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• ForWhen provides mental health and wellbeing support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people during pregnancy and afterwards.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

• COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) has resources and tips for LGBTIQ+ parents and rainbow families.