Feeling Anxiety During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know

Full Disclosure: Clicking on these links could mean a tiny commission for me, at no extra cost to you.

Pregnancy is often described as a magical time full of excitement and anticipation. You’re preparing for a tiny human who will flip your world upside down in the best possible way. But you might be overwhelmed with unexpected worries between picking out baby names and decorating the nursery. From “Will I be a good parent?” to “What if something goes wrong?” — these thoughts can sneak up on you, sometimes out of nowhere. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many expecting moms experience anxiety during pregnancy, and it’s completely okay to talk about it. Reaching out for support is one of the healthiest things you can do. Whether you’re opening up to a friend or consulting a psychiatrist in Dallas or indulging in digital therapy right from your living room, acknowledging those feelings is a huge step toward feeling more grounded and at peace.

Advertisement

What Causes Anxiety During Pregnancy?

So, what scares expectant moms and sparks anxiety during pregnancy? When you’re pregnant, your body and mind go through incredible changes, and anxiety can sometimes tag along for the ride.

Mood swings kick in as progesterone and estrogen levels skyrocket, heavily influencing your emotional state and stress responses. One minute, you’re sailing along, happy as can be. The next, you’re grasping for a sense of stability — life’s flips can be that unpredictable.

The real-life implications of pregnancy can unleash a whirlwind of worry and tension: think health anxieties, money woes, and the constant juggle between job and family. If you already have a history of anxiety, pregnancy may amplify it, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.

How Can You Tell If It’s “Normal” Anxiety?

It’s natural to feel a little nervous during pregnancy. After all, it’s a life-changing experience! But when does typical worry cross the line into something more serious? Here are some common signs to watch for:

Constant or Extreme Worry
Persistent fears about your baby, your health, or parenting that feel uncontrollable or disproportionate.

Panic Attacks
Sudden, intense episodes of fear or terror with symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or a feeling of impending doom.

Obsessive Thoughts
Repetitive, intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby, yourself, or your pregnancy that you can’t seem to shake.

Compulsive Behaviors
Engaging in repetitive actions (like excessive cleaning, checking, or reassurance-seeking) to reduce fear or anxiety.

Avoiding Important Activities
Skipping prenatal appointments, avoiding baby preparation, or withdrawing from social situations due to fear or dread.

Sleep Disturbances Beyond Normal Pregnancy Changes
Severe insomnia or restless nights because of anxiety-driven thoughts or physical symptoms.

Inability to Relax
Feeling on edge all the time, with difficulty calming down or experiencing moments of peace.

Physical Symptoms Not Explained by Pregnancy
Persistent headaches, dizziness, stomachaches, or muscle tension unrelated to typical pregnancy changes.

Excessive Fear of Birth
A debilitating fear of childbirth (tokophobia) that interferes with planning for labor or enjoying your pregnancy.

Constant Reassurance-Seeking
Frequently asking others for reassurance about your pregnancy, baby’s health, or parenting abilities, yet still feeling anxious.

Feeling Paralyzed by Anxiety
Difficulty making decisions or taking action because of overwhelming fear or uncertainty.

Preoccupation with Catastrophic Thoughts
Believing the worst-case scenario is inevitable, often leading to emotional distress or withdrawal.

Physical Symptoms of Hypervigilance
Feeling like you’re in “fight or flight” mode all the time, with symptoms like rapid breathing, sweating, or a constant racing heart.

Negative Impact on Daily Life
Anxiety so severe that it disrupts your ability to work, maintain relationships, or enjoy daily activities.

If these feelings are intense or interfere with your daily life, it may be worth exploring further with a professional.

Steps to Manage Pregnancy-Related Anxiety

The good news is that anxiety during pregnancy can often be managed effectively. Balance is within reach. Let’s break it down into manageable, actionable steps you can start taking today.

1. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
   Deep breathing helps calm your nervous system and reduce stress. Pair this practice with a fidget ring (also known as a spinner ring) from our mental health store for an added grounding effect.
2. Try Guided Meditation
   Download a meditation app or use our guided anxiety journal from our mental health tools collection to help focus your mind and relax.
3. Stay Active
   Engage in gentle exercises like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming to release feel-good endorphins and reduce anxiety levels.(Get 50% off your online yoga membership here).
4. Create a Daily Self-Care Routine
   Incorporate self-care products like calming essential oils, aromatherapy sprays, or journals from our shop to promote relaxation and mindfulness.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
   Eating balanced anti-anxiety meals and drinking plenty of water can help stabilize mood swings and improve mental clarity.
6. Get Enough Rest
   Use a sleep mask or calming room sprays, like those in our self-care products collection, to create a soothing bedtime routine and ensure quality rest.
7. Talk to Someone You Trust
   Open up to your partner, friends, or a therapist about your feelings. They can offer support and perspective that helps ease your worries.
8. Use Anxiety Relief Accessories
   Keep a worry stone or anxiety bracelet from Anxiety Gone close by to help manage stress throughout the day.
9. Focus on What You Can Control
   Instead of worrying about the unknown, focus on small, actionable steps, like preparing for your baby’s arrival or creating a birth plan.
10. Join a Support Group
    Connect with other expectant moms who understand what you’re going through. Sharing experiences can make you feel less alone and more supported.
11. Limit Information Overload
    While researching can be helpful, too much Googling might fuel your worries. Stick to trusted sources and avoid doomscrolling.
12. Seek Professional Help
    A mental health expert, such as a licensed therapist or psychiatrist in Dallas, can provide personalized guidance and treatment if needed. Consider combining therapy with tools like fidget rings to practice mindfulness during sessions.

To prevent anxiety from running the show during pregnancy, women can take these proactive steps to shift their focus back to what really matters. Forget about trying to fit into a mold. Everyone’s journey is different; the only way to get results is to craft a strategy that’s yours alone.

Tending to your mental well-being with small, everyday actions can profoundly affect your overall happiness and bring joy to this already joyful time. When you need a hand, don’t think twice — just ask! You deserve a sense of confidence and guidance that stays with you every step.

Can Anxiety During Pregnancy Affect the Baby?

It’s understandable to wonder if your stress might impact your little one. Anxiety during pregnancy can rapidly snowball, culminating in preterm labor, a higher risk of low birth weight, and developmental problems that can affect a child’s life long after the baby showers and onesies have been packed away.

High levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, may affect the baby’s brain development if prolonged anxiety goes unaddressed. However, occasional stress or mild anxiety is unlikely to cause harm, and most babies develop perfectly fine, even if their moms experience ups and downs during pregnancy.

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but by tackling it straight on, you can develop techniques to get it under control and find some peace of mind. Your mental and physical health are on equal footing right now, so prioritize them both. The healthier your surroundings, the healthier your baby will be — it’s a simple but powerful truth.

When Pregnant Moms Should Seek Help for Anxiety

If your anxiety feels overwhelming, don’t wait to seek support. When you bring in a seasoned expert, the momentum shifts. Finding peace during this special time can be achieved through therapy sessions or if needed, carefully prescribed medications that help you make the most of this new chapter.

You might hesitate to reach out because you’re thinking, “What if they don’t understand?” However, mental health professionals, especially those experienced in prenatal care, are trained to support you without judgment. In places like Dallas, psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety during pregnancy can guide you through tailored solutions so you feel empowered and supported.

Embracing the Journey, One Step at a Time

It’s normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions, including anxiety during pregnancy, and it’s also okay to seek help when anxiety becomes overwhelming. Motherhood’s anticipation can be a wild ride, so it’s vital to tune into your emotions and prepare for the euphoria and exhaustion that awaits. If you’re struggling, know that your caring family, friends, and compassionate psychiatrists or therapists are ready to lend a listening ear.

Stop putting your well-being on the back burner and take the reins today. Right now, you have the power to shift the tone of your pregnancy from stressful to serene. By grabbing hold of your anxiety and refusing to let it hold you back, you’ll be amazed at the peace and excitement that takes its place.