What is postnatal anxiety?

Postnatal anxiety is a mental health condition that causes intense worry, nervousness or fear in the year after giving birth. It is different from the usual worries you may have as a new parent. Postnatal anxiety is when your worry is constant and affects your everyday life. It can impact your sleep and ability to care for yourself and your baby.

Postnatal anxiety is the most common mental health challenge in a baby's first year.

What is the difference between postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression?

Some people experience postnatal anxiety together with postnatal depression. Postnatal depression involves having a low mood (or 'feeling down') for more than 2 weeks.

You might also:

• lose interest in usual activities
• feel sad or hopeless
• struggle to concentrate
• be unable to eat or sleep normally

You are more likely to experience both anxiety and depression after having a baby. Sometimes, challenges such as lack of sleep and feeling overwhelmed as a new parent might leave you feeling unable to cope. It is important to seek help as quickly as possible so you can get back to enjoying your new baby.

Read more about common worries and fears for parents.

What are the symptoms of postnatal anxiety?

Postnatal anxiety can affect your ability to do regular everyday activities, including parenting, working and socialising. You might notice one or more of the following:

• Physical symptoms, such as sleep problems, body aches, fatigue or numbness.
• Feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or like no one understands you.
• Finding it hard to make decisions or concentrate.
• Constant worry that something bad will happen to your baby.
• Fear of leaving the house or going outside (agoraphobia).
• Blaming yourself when things go wrong, even when it's not your fault.

What causes postnatal anxiety?

Pregnancy and childbirth bring big changes that can make you more likely to face mental health challenges, such as postnatal anxiety.

You may be more likely to develop postnatal anxiety if:

• you have experienced anxiety, depression or low self-esteem before or during your pregnancy
• you do not feel supported by your family, partner or friends after giving birth
• you experience stressful life events such as family conflict, financial stress or stress with your partner
• you were previously physically, emotionally or sexually abused
• you are living with some physical health problems, have sleeping difficulties, smoke cigarettes or vape
• your baby was born early (prematurely)
• your baby is difficult to settle or cries a lot

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor, midwife or child health care nurse if:

• you or people around you are noticing that you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression
• you are getting treatment for postnatal anxiety and you are worried it is not helping enough

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 postnatal anxiety diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose postnatal anxiety by:

• screening for symptoms as part of your regular postnatal care — they might ask you to fill out a questionnaire and answer questions about different anxiety symptoms. This helps show if you need support or more checks for postnatal anxiety.
• asking you questions about your symptoms and medical history
• ruling out other conditions — thyroid problems, lack of sleep or postnatal depression

Try to be as honest as you can. This will make it easier for your health team to give you the treatment and support you need. Remember, postnatal anxiety and depression are common and there are ways to help. You do not need to feel ashamed.

Sometimes it can take a while to be diagnosed with postnatal anxiety. This may be because you or your healthcare team mistake the symptoms for other reasons to feel anxious in the first weeks or months after your baby is born.

How is postnatal anxiety treated?

If you are living with postnatal anxiety, your treatment may include:

• medicines
• psychological support such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other types of psychotherapies
• practical support, such as advice on parenting and caring for your unsettled baby

As part of shared decision making, together with your doctor, you will decide which treatments you need based on how severe your symptoms are. Your doctor will talk with you about how the treatment might affect your baby and which medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding (if this applies to you).

Read more about medicines and breastfeeding.

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

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

Living with postnatal anxiety can affect your ability to be the best parent you can be. Professional treatment will help you get the support you need so you can get back to enjoying your new baby.

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 postnatal anxiety

If you are living with postnatal anxiety, 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 general tips to help you cope with postnatal anxiety:

• Accept help from those around you.
• Try to do some physical activity when you can, such as walking, swimming and yoga.
• Rest and sleep when you can.
• Cuddle your baby as much as you can. Cuddling can cause healthy chemicals to be released in your body to help reduce your anxiety levels.

What are the complications of postnatal anxiety?

If you live with postnatal anxiety, it may affect how you bond with your baby. It can also impact your relationships with other people. Seek support from your health team, or call a helpline.

Can postnatal anxiety be prevented?

You can try to prevent postnatal anxiety by:

• learning about postnatal anxiety during your pregnancy, so you can be aware of symptoms
• seeking support when you need it
• creating a treatment plan before or during your pregnancy to manage postnatal anxiety if you are living with a mental illness
• taking medicine during your pregnancy or beforehand if you need it (your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits of taking medicines in pregnancy and while breastfeeding)
• setting up social and practical support to help you cope after having a baby

Resources and support

• Learn more about postnatal 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.
• Visit Birthing on Country for information on projects that support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies and their families.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

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