

{"id":88492,"date":"2023-08-23T12:35:31","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T12:35:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=88492"},"modified":"2023-08-23T12:40:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-23T12:40:13","slug":"anxiety-when-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pregnancy\/anxiety-when-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Effective Ways to Cope With Anxiety When Pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-88495\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/508830394.jpg\" alt=\"Worried female \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expecting a bundle of joy could bring a mix of emotions. You&rsquo;re happy, excited, but most of the time, also anxious. Having anxiety when pregnant is indeed worrisome, and you might ask yourself, is this a normal part of pregnancy?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, knowing everything about pregnancy with anxiety can help you deal with it effectively. So, let&rsquo;s explore what pregnancy anxiety is and how you can cope with it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-you-define-pregnancy-anxiety\"><\/span><b>How do you define pregnancy anxiety?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel anxious while pregnant, such a feeling is referred to as pregnancy or antenatal anxiety. Pregnancy anxiety is when expectant mothers experience excessive fear, worry, or uneasiness during their pregnancy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety in early pregnancy can continue throughout the whole nine months. The anxiety you may feel can manifest in physical and psychological symptoms, impacting your well-being and potentially <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4499279\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affecting fetal development<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-causes-of-anxiety-during-pregnancy\"><\/span><b>What are the causes of anxiety during pregnancy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many factors can trigger anxiety during pregnancy, making it a complex and individualized experience. Anxiety and pregnancy are closely related, and here&rsquo;s why. The combination of physical, hormonal, and emotional changes during pregnancy can lead to a mix of elevated anxiety levels.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety when pregnant can be caused by worries about the health and well-being of the baby, the anticipation of childbirth, pregnancy complications, and the uncertainties of becoming a new parent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety can worsen due to hormonal changes as well as other factors like financial worries, lack of social support, and relationship problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/unsupportive-partner-during-pregnancy\/\" title=\"15 Ways to Deal With an Unsupportive Partner During Pregnancy\">15 Ways to Deal With an Unsupportive Partner During Pregnancy<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-anxiety-symptoms-to-watch-out-for-during-pregnancy\"><\/span><b>What are the anxiety symptoms to watch out for during pregnancy?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-88494\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1536419393.jpg\" alt=\"American little girl holding her mom belly \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are experiencing anxiety while pregnant, you need to know the different symptoms to watch out for. Pregnant and anxiety symptoms may differ for each person, but here are some common indicators to watch out for during pregnancy include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Excessive worrying<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s that constant feeling of fear, uneasiness, and even being overwhelmed with all the changes happening.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Physical symptoms and pains<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and trembling.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Sleep pattern changes<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may find falling or staying asleep difficult as pregnancy can worsen due to racing thoughts or worries.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Changes in eating habits<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It could be an increase or decrease in appetite resulting from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pregnancy\/stressful-relationship-during-pregnancy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety-related stress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Note that this is also a common sign of pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Irritability<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can experience an overall feeling of being easily agitated, restless, or on edge, even in non-stressful situations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Difficulty concentrating<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to heightened anxiety, pregnancy and anxiety can make it challenging to focus or make decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Intrusive thoughts<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s the recurring and distressing thoughts or fears that are difficult to control and would often affect your peace.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Panic attacks<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may experience sudden and intense episodes of unknown fear or terror. Physical symptoms like chest pain and a sense of impending doom often accompany it.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pregnancy\/relationship-breakdown-during-pregnancy\/\" title=\"Relationship Breakdown During Pregnancy \u2013 Causes and Ways to Deal with It\">Relationship Breakdown During Pregnancy \u2013 Causes and Ways to Deal with It<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-risk-factors-for-anxiety-during-pregnancy\"><\/span><b>What are the risk factors for anxiety during pregnancy?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fear in pregnancy is no joke. Anyone can develop anxiety early in pregnancy until before giving birth. However, the intensity and the symptoms one can experience may differ.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, there are, however, a few risk factors for anxiety during pregnancy. This means you&rsquo;re at a higher risk of developing severe anxiety during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous anxiety disorders or diagnosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stressful life changes or events<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing high-risk pregnancies due to illnesses&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous miscarriage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal fluctuations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical pain or discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family history of anxiety or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/depression\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress at work or even at home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of support or a partner&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of an abusive relationship<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial problems or lack of proper nutrition<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of these factors could affect a person&rsquo;s pregnancy and contribute to a heightened risk of developing anxiety during their pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pregnancy\/do-relationships-fall-apart-during-pregnancy\/\" title=\"7 Reasons You Feel Rejected by Your Husband in Pregnancy\">7 Reasons You Feel Rejected by Your Husband in Pregnancy<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-effective-ways-to-cope-with-anxiety-when-pregnant\"><\/span><b>5 effective ways to cope with anxiety when pregnant<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-88493\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1827358853.jpg\" alt=\"Couple expecting baby \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re experiencing anxiety during pregnancy, you&rsquo;d want to know how to deal with severe anxiety while pregnant. Know that anxiety when pregnant is a common occurrence. But, still knowing how to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pregnancy\/mood-swing-during-pregnancy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calm anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while pregnant is vital.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must do your best to overcome the feeling of anxiety before it overcomes you. Here are some ways to cope with anxiety during pregnancy:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Practice mindfulness and meditation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every expecting mother may experience fears during pregnancy. To some degree, it&rsquo;s quite understandable why expecting mothers fear the unknown. After all, they&rsquo;re bringing a child into this world and want the best for this new life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By practicing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2021.724126\/full\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mindfulness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and meditation, you could significantly reduce anxiety levels during pregnancy. These techniques teach staying present and observing thoughts and emotions without judgment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing regular mindfulness exercises could help calm the mind and lower stress hormones, leading to a greater sense of peace and relaxation. You can promote your well-being and reduce anxiety by practicing deep breathing exercises, guided meditations, and yoga.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Engage in regular exercise<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While exercise is good for physical health during pregnancy, it helps significantly manage anxiety. Endorphins are natural mood enhancers our body releases by engaging in safe physical activities like walking, swimming, and even prenatal yoga.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, exercise can significantly reduce stress hormones and distract you from anxious thoughts. Remember that before doing so, it&rsquo;s still best to consult your doctor, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Connect with a support system<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When fears of pregnancy attack, it&rsquo;s essential to have a strong support system. This could be your spouse, family members, or friends. During your most challenging times, they could help you cope with anxiety. Don&rsquo;t hesitate to contact your loved ones and allow them to help you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking openly about your anxieties and fears can provide comfort and validation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Practice self-care and relaxation techniques<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking time for self-care and relaxation is essential, especially during pregnancy. Go for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, enjoying a hobby, or spending time in nature. Remember to prioritize restful sleep and create a calming <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2675894\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bedtime routine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t be afraid if you&rsquo;re experiencing anxiety during pregnancy. Check out the story of Katie, who had experienced anxiety three or four years before her first pregnancy, and how she coped with it:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TmShoIoTRFg\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Seek professional support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cope with anxiety during pregnancy by seeking professional support. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. They could help you, and they are the ones, such as a psychologist or counselor, who specializes in working with pregnant women.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They could provide a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss your feelings, fears, and concerns. If needed, they could offer evidence-based coping techniques tailored to your specific needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pregnancy\/stressful-relationship-during-pregnancy\/\" title=\"How to Handle Relationship Stress During Pregnancy: 10 Ways\">How to Handle Relationship Stress During Pregnancy: 10 Ways<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commonly-asked-questions\"><\/span><b>Commonly asked questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigating the realm of pregnancy brings forth a multitude of emotions and questions. Following are some of the queries that may arise during pregnancy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it normal to feel pregnancy anxiety?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, feeling pregnancy anxiety is entirely normal. You may feel alone with this, but you&rsquo;re not. To a certain degree, most expectant mothers will experience anxiety when pregnant. It comes with all the uncertainties of becoming a parent and wanting to be a good parent to your unborn child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking support and coping strategies can help manage these feelings and promote a healthier pregnancy experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How does feeling anxious affect my pregnancy?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety while pregnant affects you and your unborn baby. Feeling anxious during pregnancy can impact both the expectant mother and the baby. High anxiety levels, if uncontrolled, may increase the risk of complications.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These complications could be preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in the baby. For the mother, anxiety when pregnant can lead to sleep disturbances, elevated stress hormones, and difficulty coping with the challenges of pregnancy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What are the different signs of anxiety during pregnancy?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of anxiety during pregnancy may include all or some of the following, such as excessive worry about the baby&rsquo;s health, financial stability, and fear of childbirth. A person could also feel restless, irritable, and have difficulty concentrating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There would also be sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath. Most pregnant women who exhibit these signs would even find it impossible to relax.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>When is the right time to seek professional help for anxiety during pregnancy?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trying different ways how to treat severe anxiety while pregnant may work. But when is the right time to seek professional help for anxiety during pregnancy? The answer is when the expectant individual experiences persistent anxiety symptoms that interfere with their daily life or ability to cope.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the anxiety symptoms are already causing distress and affecting the pregnancy experience, seeking support from a professional mental healthcare provider is essential.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing-with-anxiety-when-pregnant-the-right-way\"><\/span><b>Dealing with anxiety when pregnant the right way!<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expectant mothers often experience anxiety during pregnancy, and this is quite common. People who are expecting may experience different levels of anxiety when pregnant.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it&rsquo;s still vital that we recognize the signs of anxiety and understand its risk factors. By doing so, we can help take proactive steps to manage our emotional well-being.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coping with pregnancy anxiety can be achieved by seeking professional support, practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, connecting with a support system, and prioritizing self-care. Early intervention can lead to effective coping strategies, reduced complications, and promotion of a positive pregnancy journey.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Expecting a bundle of joy could bring a mix of emotions. You&rsquo;re happy, excited, but most of the time, also anxious. Having anxiety when pregnant is indeed worrisome, and you might ask yourself, is this a normal part of pregnancy? That being said, knowing everything about pregnancy with anxiety can help you deal with it effectively. So, let&rsquo;s explore what pregnancy anxiety is and how you can cope with it.&nbsp; How do you define pregnancy anxiety?&nbsp; If you feel anxious while pregnant, such a feeling is referred to as pregnancy or antenatal anxiety. Pregnancy anxiety is when expectant mothers experience <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":630,"featured_media":88495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[38],"tags":[2652],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88492"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/630"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88492"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88492\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88496,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88492\/revisions\/88496"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}