Anxiety Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms Coping with anxiety at a complicated time By Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl is a clinical social worker who focuses on mental health disparities, the healing of generational trauma, and depth psychotherapy. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 31, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Carly Snyder, MD Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print globalmoments / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Why Am I Anxious After Having a Baby? It Is Clinical Anxiety or Just Stress? Treatment Coping Trending Videos Close this video player Postpartum anxiety is a form of anxiety experienced in the months following giving birth. While it may not be commonly discussed in casual conversation, many birthing people still experience this type of anxiety. Many changes accompany the postpartum era. Suddenly, your body changes, your relationships become different, and hormonal fluctuations change how you feel. In addition to these changes, mental health challenges can arise. A recent study estimates that 8-12% of people experience at least one anxiety disorder in the postpartum period. Unfortunately, research on postpartum anxiety disorder is somewhat limited. This is due to postpartum disorders becoming a newly researched issue of interest. What to Know About Postpartum Depression (PPD) Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms Postpartum anxiety is much more common than what is generally recognized. Knowledge is power, and it is vital for birthing people to know the symptoms of postpartum anxiety. In addition, having an awareness of the symptoms means that you or someone you love can access support when needed. The mental health field does not recognize postpartum anxiety as an official diagnosis. Instead, it is most often characterized by the symptoms of anxiety disorders that exist outside of the postpartum period, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Symptoms can arise as quickly as weeks after giving birth and can last up to a year or longer after birth. Postpartum symptoms include: Uncontrollable concern or worryIntrusive thoughtsObsessive impulses or behaviorStruggles with bonding to your new baby, presenting as excessive detachment or withdrawing from caregiving dutiesShakinessFeelings of panic Prenatal Development Stages Why Am I Anxious After Having a Baby? High levels of stress and little partner or social support during pregnancy are two key contributing factors to the development of postpartum anxiety. Experiencing a preterm birth is another documented risk factor for developing postpartum anxiety. Additionally, smoking during pregnancy isn’t only a contributor to infant health complications—it can also result in postpartum anxiety. Other contributors to a diagnosis of postpartum anxiety include giving birth to an infant that has a hospital stay of two weeks or longer, a pre-existing diagnosis of diabetes, consuming more than seven drinks per week before conceiving, and experiencing at least six stressors during pregnancy. A decreased duration of breastfeeding can also lead to the development of postpartum anxiety. Many of the causes of postpartum anxiety are outside of birthing people’s control. However, sometimes high-stress levels, an extended hospital stay, or decisions regarding breastfeeding are natural occurrences that birthing people cannot avoid. It isn’t lost on us how these risk factors may feel overwhelming. A way to use the knowledge of the causes of postpartum anxiety without feeling disempowered is to share them with your immediate community. Let your friends, family, and partner know what can lead to this diagnosis to ensure that you are supported, regardless of your birth outcomes. Also, give your doctor a heads up if you’re nervous about the risks of developing postpartum anxiety. You don’t have to go it alone. Tokophobia: Fear of Childbirth and Pregnancy It Is Clinical Anxiety or Just Stress? Due to the fact that postpartum anxiety doesn’t have an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, doctors typically screen for risk factors in perinatal appointments. Keeping in mind that research on postpartum anxiety is still building, it is essential to insist that your doctor screens for this disorder. Your medical care provider may assess for GAD or OCD symptoms in postpartum appointments. Again, it is important to advocate for yourself if you feel you may be experiencing postpartum anxiety and do not feel your doctor adequately assesses the disorder. Alternatively, you may be offered a referral to a psychiatrist for further support. It isn’t uncommon to have a co-occurring diagnosis of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last? What to Do About Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms The suggested treatment for postpartum anxiety includes medication, psychotherapy, and holistic forms of support. The recommended pharmacological treatment is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs). It is important to note that SSRIs can present in breastmilk, so having a conversation with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication is extremely important. Consistent psychotherapy can aid in decreasing symptoms of postpartum anxiety and exploring the root causes of the disorder. For those who find that SSRIs aren’t the best fit for them, psychotherapy on its own is an excellent treatment. Shifts in diet, taking supplements, exercise, and parenting classes are great additional support to postpartum anxiety treatment. Coping With Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms High levels of stress and unexpected birth outcomes can be significant indicators of postpartum anxiety. As such, having social support is key in coping with postpartum anxiety: Support groups: Finding a support group is a great way to connect with other moms and remember that you’re not alone. Couples therapy: If there are issues arising with your partner, seeking couples therapy can help develop enhanced communication tools. Mommy & Me classes: Sometimes childcare can be a massive barrier to connecting with others—explore local offerings for Mommy & Me classes. Remember that some classes are offered on a sliding scale or donation-only basis if finances are an issue. Healthcare provider support: Finally, staying in close touch with your doctor is incredibly important in healing from postpartum anxiety. It is common to feel scared and powerless during pregnancy, but it doesn't have to become your new normal. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Postpartum Psychosis Can Be Fatal If Left Untreated—Here's What to Know 7 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pawluski JL, Lonstein JS, Fleming AS. The neurobiology of postpartum anxiety and depression. Trends Neurosci. 2017;40(2):106-120. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.11.009 Goodman JH, Watson GR, Stubbs B. Anxiety disorders in postpartum women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Affect. Disord. 2016;203:292-331. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.033 Dennis CL, Brown HK, Falah-Hassani K, Marini FC, Vigod SN. Identifying women at risk for sustained postpartum anxiety. J. Affect. Disord. 2017;213:131-137. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2017.02.013 Farr SL, Dietz PM, O’Hara MW, Burley K, Ko JY. Postpartum anxiety and comorbid depression in a population-based sample of women. J. Women's Health. 2014;23(2):120-128. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2013.4438 Farr SL, Dietz PM, O’Hara MW, Burley K, Ko JY. Postpartum anxiety and comorbid depression in a population-based sample of women. J. Women's Health. 2014;23(2):120-128. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2013.4438 Paul IM, Downs DS, Schaefer EW, Beiler JS, Weisman CS. Postpartum anxiety and maternal-infant health outcomes. Pediatrics. 2013;131(4):e1218-e1224. doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-2147 Pawluski JL, Lonstein JS, Fleming AS. The neurobiology of postpartum anxiety and depression. Trends Neurosci. 2017;40(2):106-120. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.11.009 By Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a clinical social worker and writer. As a writer, she focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. In her clinical work, she specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit