Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs following childbirth. It can occur during pregnancy or anytime up to 1 year after having the baby (Postpartum). The severity of postpartum anxiety ranges from mild to severe, and its effects may be short-term or long-term.

While the exact cause of postpartum anxiety is not known, there are likely many different and unique causes for each woman (Postpartum). Some of the factors that may cause postpartum anxiety include:

• A traumatic birth experience (either difficult labor or seeing the baby in distress)
• Difficulties with breastfeeding or developing a strong attachment to the baby
• Lack of sleep due to baby’s needs
• Stressful living situation or lack of support from family and friends
• The baby has a medical condition that requires special attention
• Having a baby with a high-need temperament, who is difficult to soothe and calm
• An unexpected pregnancy due to contraception failure could also trigger postpartum anxiety.

Symptoms

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety may include:

• Nervousness and worry about everything involving the baby’s safety and well-being. A woman with postpartum anxiety may spend hours checking on her newborn, repeatedly assure herself all is well, and be unable to eat or sleep due to thoughts about the baby
• Constant tiredness and exhaustion from constant worry
• Feeling as though one is going crazy because of the irrational thoughts that won’t go away
• Panic attacks, which can include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling in fingers and toes, and chills
• Hearing things (hallucinations), such as the baby crying, which are not actually occurring
• Feeling detached from the baby or experiencing a lack of feelings toward the baby
• Having suicidal thoughts about self-harm or harming the baby

Treatments

Treatment for postpartum anxiety will depend upon the severity of the symptoms, how much distress is being caused, and whether or not you are considering harming yourself or your baby.

Psychotherapy

The most effective way to treat postpartum anxiety is with psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. A combination of treatments may be needed.

Psychotherapy can help you with postpartum anxiety by teaching you coping and problem-solving skills to handle the anxiety and stress of motherhood. This type of therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating depression and anxiety.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. Cognitive therapy can help you address your anxiety and teach you relaxation techniques to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Medication

If you are thinking about harming yourself or your baby, you will need immediate medical care.

Your doctor may recommend an anti-anxiety medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). You can take this type of medication in tablet form, or it can be taken through the vagina by using a vaginal ring that slowly releases the medicine.

Supplements

CBD oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. It may be especially helpful for postpartum anxiety caused by a lack of mood-boosting chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Before using CBD oil, you should speak to your doctor to know if it’s suitable for your condition or if there are potential risks of taking it while you are breastfeeding.

How to prevent

Every woman experiences childbirth differently, so it may not be possible to prevent postpartum anxiety. However, you can take steps to minimize risk factors that are tied to having postpartum anxiety. These include practicing good self-care during pregnancy and preparing for the birth by assessing your support system and creating a plan should any complications arise.

Summary

Postpartum anxiety is triggered by the arrival of new motherhood and can be very frightening for both women and their babies, who are affected by the sudden change in their mothers’ state of mind. Sometimes postpartum anxiety can also result in depression, which may increase the risk for infant neglect or infanticide. However, there are treatments available, and women can take steps to prevent postpartum anxiety from occurring.