Anxiety and parenthood

Anyone might feel a little anxious when a new baby arrives, but for some people anxiety can become a real problem and they will need professional help. Postnatal anxiety is common both in men and women. There is plenty of support available, so it’s helpful to keep an eye out for the signs.

What is postnatal anxiety?

Anxiety is more than feeling anxious about a specific situation; it occurs when feelings of being anxious and stressed won’t go away, can’t be controlled easily, and happen without a particular reason.

Anxiety that develops during the year after birth is called postnatal anxiety. Like postnatal depression, it’s very common and affects about 1 in 7 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers.

Postnatal anxiety might mean you develop one or more of the following conditions during pregnancy or after the birth:

  • generalised anxiety (you feel anxious most days)
  • panic disorder (you have panic attacks, when you feel overwhelmingly anxious and have physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness)
  • agoraphobia (a fear of open or public spaces)
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (you are compelled to carry out certain behaviours or rituals)
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (your anxiety is related to a past traumatic event, and you have bad dreams, flashbacks and find it hard to relax)
  • social phobia (you’re worried about being criticised or humiliated in public)

If you already have an anxiety disorder or you are someone who worries a lot, you may be at greater risk of developing postnatal anxiety.

How do I know whether I have postnatal anxiety?

You may have postnatal anxiety if you:

  • are being taken over by feelings of fear and worry
  • feel irritable, restless or on edge
  • have a racing heart and/or palpitations
  • are constantly worried you’re not doing things right
  • are constantly worried something bad will happen
  • can’t sleep
  • obsessively try to control things, such as constantly checking on your baby
  • have visions of something terrible happening to the baby

What’s the difference between postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression?

Up to half of people who have postnatal anxiety will have postnatal depression at the same time. Postnatal depression involves having a negative mood (or 'feeling down') for more than 2 weeks. You might also lose interest in normal activities, feel sad and hopeless, find it hard to concentrate, and not be able to eat or sleep.

Both anxiety and depression are more common after the birth of a baby. Combined with the normal challenges of lack of sleep and feeling overwhelmed by being a new parent, you might feel unable to cope. It’s important to seek help as quickly as possible so you can get back to enjoying your new baby.

How is postnatal anxiety treated?

If you have several symptoms of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor, midwife or child health care nurse. They may have you answer a questionnaire and describe how you have been feeling. They may also do a physical examination and ask to talk to your partner, if you have one.

Try to be as honest as you can — that will make it easier for the doctor or nurse to give you the treatment and support you need. Remember, postnatal anxiety and depression are extremely common. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.

If your anxiety is mild, it may be enough for you to get more support from your doctor or child healthcare nurse.

More serious anxiety may need treatment with psychological therapies and, sometimes, medicine. Your doctor will discuss with you any implications for your baby and whether the medicine will affect breastfeeding.

Whether you’re a mum or a dad, having postnatal anxiety can affect your ability to be the best parent you can be. And if you don’t get treatment, postnatal anxiety can get worse. Professional treatment will help you get on top of it as soon as you can.

Need more advice and support?

  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety &Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306
  • Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
  • Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — 1800 882 436

Need to talk to someone?
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offers non-judgemental emotional support during pregnancy and parenting for when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Call us on 1800 882 436 or video call 7 days a week.

Previous:

Next:

  • Obsessive Behavior in Mothers
    Many mothers feel as though they spend most of their time worrying about their children. During the early years, they worry whether their little ones are safe in their cribs, car seats and day care. As the children mature, mothers worry about peer pr
  • What is the correct possessive form of parent?
    The correct possessive form of parent is parents. Heres why:* Singular: When referring to one parent, use the singular possessive parents. For example: The parents car was parked outside.* Plural: When referring to more than one parent, use the plur
  • Are children over influenced by fashion?
    Its complicated! While children are undoubtedly influenced by fashion, its not as simple as saying theyre over-influenced. Heres a nuanced look at the topic:Influences:* Media and Social Media: Children are exposed to fashion trends through TV, movie