BENEATH THE GLOW: THE HIDDEN SIDE OF PREGNANCY ANXIETY

Written by Lucy Hall

Pregnancy is a time of sweet anticipation of the blossoming life you are growing, however if you dig a little deeper beneath that warm and rosy glow, something that is not always spoken about is pregnancy anxiety.

We are all familiar with the baby blues that can occur after giving birth, but what about the much less talked about feelings of worry and fear that can overshadow the nine months of pregnancy itself! Being pregnant isn’t all about baby showers and maternity photoshoots. The increase of emotions and hormones that occur during this time can cause pregnant women to experience a lot of anxiety.

Experiencing anxiety during pregnancy is not a sign of weakness and it’s definitely not something to be brushed under the rug with a “you’re just being a bit emotional” kind of attitude. It is a serious issue that affects a number of mothers-to-be, and it’s time to start acknowledging it.

If you’re feeling like you’re swimming in a sea of “what if’s” and “’oh no” while you’re waiting for your little one to arrive, try to remember you’re not alone, these feelings are common but are often an ignored part of the pregnancy journey. Recognising that these feelings are a perfectly normal part of the pregnancy journey will allow you to address these feelings and get the help and support you need.

It is estimated that 14-23% of pregnant women grapple with anxiety disorders, this number may be higher due to the fact that in today’s society, social norms and fear encourage women to keep their anxieties hidden beneath the surface. Many women experience a delicate combination of physical, hormonal, and psychological changes during pregnancy that can trigger anxiety. The pressures placed on women during pregnancy can lead to a silent battle within the body and mind.

Factors that Can Fuel Pregnancy-Related Anxiety

The Hormonal Roller Coaster

The miraculous journey of pregnancy involves many hormonal changes in a woman’s body, especially oestrogen and progesterone. These changes can have an impact on your mind that it feels like you’re going through emotional pain. You may feel more vulnerable than usual, you may experience irritability and mood swings that did not occur prior to pregnancy.

Body Image Concerns

The inevitable and natural weight gain that comes with pregnancy can be difficult to accept in a society that has strong opinions of the ideal pregnancy body and can cause pregnant women to become self-conscious or worry about their physical appearance.

Fear of the Unknown

Having a baby is, in reality, like stepping into the great unknown. During childbirth, the anticipation and excitement of meeting your baby can also trigger anxiety about any potential complications in childbirth and the responsibilities of raising a tiny human.

Relationship Strain

Pregnancy can be a complex journey filled with many concerns as well as excitement and can also lead to altered expectations which change your relationship with your partner. The bond that you once shared may also change as you embark on this new chapter of life together. A key thing to remember during this period of time is communication. Having conversations that are honest about any problems you may be having and discussing them in an open and non-judgemental way with each other will help strengthen your bond.

Financial Worries

For those that are already struggling financially, welcoming a new baby into the world can be a stressful experience. Creating a budget can assist you with having a clear understanding of the cost involved in raising a child so that you are prepared.

Past Trauma

A woman who has experienced past trauma is at a greater risk of experiencing anxiety and it’s more common than you may think. Those that have experienced abuse or mental health issues may be particularly vulnerable to worry during pregnancy.

Physical Health

Other symptoms of pregnancy anxiety that may affect physical health can include: disrupted sleep, persistent fatigue, fluctuations in appetite and diminished concentration. These symptoms may increase the chances of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and even premature delivery of a baby.

Emotional Health

During pregnancy, emotional distress can be experienced. These feelings can contribute to anxiety and leave a mother-to-be to have feelings of sadness, a sense of hopelessness, which can unfortunately result in increased social isolation. Women who already had existing mental health conditions like depression prior to pregnancy are at risk of this being exacerbated.

Foetal Development

Pregnancy can cause stress and anxiety that may interfere with the proper development of the baby. The consistent presence of negative emotions may increase the risk of premature delivery, which may also result in a lower birth weight and even contribute to behavioural difficulties.

With so much to consider during the journey of pregnancy, recognising and addressing anxiety as it occurs is extremely important. By discussing these concerns straight away, it can help in reducing the shame that many expectant mothers feel around their mental health. Having encouraging and safe environments for pregnant women to talk about how they are really feeling assists with putting the right support systems in place, which will improve their overall health as well as protect the well being of their unborn child.

Here Are Some Tips To Help When Dealing With Pregnancy Anxiety

Seeking Professional Help

Experiencing anxiety during pregnancy is very common and nothing to be ashamed of! It is highly recommended to seek out a professional for help if you are having feelings of anxiety when pregnant, this can include your obstetrician, the midwife or a mental health professional. Receiving compassionate support and suitable treatment options that are designed to your individual needs, will assist you while you are on this journey.

Open Communication

Whether you choose to confide in your partner, a family member or your close friends about the anxieties you’re facing, the benefits of this can significantly lighten the emotional load. By talking about what you’re going through, you’re not only reducing your stress but also strengthening your support system, which you are going to need throughout your pregnancy and also will come in very handy once the baby arrives.

Prenatal Classes

Participating in prenatal classes can be beneficial for lots of different reasons. Attending prenatal classes allows you to connect with other expectant mothers who can be more understanding of what you are going through, it should also equip you with the helpful information needed so you are ready with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the wild adventure that is parenthood.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques to help manage anxiety can include meditation, deep breathing exercises and prenatal yoga can all be very helpful.  These techniques promote emotional wellness and relaxation, which are essential for both mother and baby. 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Prioritising your lifestyle and wellness is a must in pregnancy. Healthy habits will help you become stronger and more resilient and be prepared to face the demands that all stages of pregnancy throw your way. Getting enough sleep, having a nourishing balanced diet and incorporating exercise regularly are just a few things you can do to help you in this journey.

If you have anxiety during pregnancy it can be a frightening experience, however it doesn’t have to overwhelm the journey’s beauty. By acknowledging how you are feeling and getting the appropriate support and establishing self care habits, you will be able to  navigate this phase with confidence. It’s important to keep in mind that you are not alone, there are many people that are available to help you if you ask!