Hey Momma! Are you feeling anxious?

While pregnancy is typically a very exciting time for expecting parents, it is common to have some anxiety about a variety of things. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, experienced loss or fertility issues, or had an easy time getting pregnant, you have probably found yourself anxious about one or a whole bunch of things. 

This is not only common; it ensures that you are human! Various reasons you might be anxious could be you are:

• A first-time birthing person

• Worried about splitting attention among siblings after birth

• Worried about splitting attention among your partner and child(ren) after birth

• Worried about having a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs)

• Unsure about your nutritional health during pregnancy

• Uncomfortable or unsure of physical body changes (in alignment or misalignment with other pregnant people in your circle)

• Worried about finances/family leave time

• Navigating pregnancy/postpartum/parenting solo

• Concerned about being pregnant and birthing during a pandemic 

• Unsure of postpartum decisions (breastmilk or formula, to vaccinate or not, etc.)

Plus, a million more things that our minds run through on the daily. Being a little anxious is very common! But let’s talk about a few specifics from the list and how to manage or overcome them.

First Time Birthing Fears

First, let’s take note that many people like to bestow upon you their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. Some of which have been traumatic and might leave you scared. It’s okay to be scared but remember these three things: it is your body, it is your baby, it is your birth. Your total experience will be unlike any other. You may have similarities to others in this journey, but you may approach them differently because no two people are the same.

While hearing stories of those around you is one source of information consumption, be sure to find resources that encourage you to have the birth you want. There are plenty of books, podcasts, videos, classes, you name it! Looking for specific resources? Reach out to me (Krista Lee J ). This will help you be intentional about the information you are arming yourself with and help you feel more confident about your body’s ability to grow and bring your baby Earth side, whether that is through vaginal or belly birth!

Physical Body Changes

Let’s remember – EVERY BODY is different. The changes in your body will happen on your own time. Some people may be worried that they aren’t showing “soon enough” while others worry they are showing “too early”. Does this mean the baby is too small or too big? Not necessarily! Some standard things to note; if you are in your first pregnancy, it will likely take your body longer to begin showing, sometimes up to 15 weeks (or longer!). The position of your uterus also plays a factor. For example, if your uterus tilts back you will likely show later. If your uterus tilts forward, you may show sooner. Your nutritional intake, fitness habits, and genetics may also play a role. 

Ultimately, if you are concerned with how your body is developing, don’t hesitate to ask your provider.  And if anyone asks you if “you’re sure you’re not having twins”, says “you’ll never make it to your due date”, or any other unhelpful statement, use that time as a gentle reminder to them that your body is not their business.  

A good way to manage this anxiety is with mindful meditation and affirmations about the work your body is putting in, not what your body looks like. Some good ones are:

• “My body knows how to nourish and grow my baby”

• “My baby and I are healthy and strong”

• “I welcome the changes in my body” 

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

You may have heard of postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA). These two mental health concerns fall under the umbrella term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). PMADs include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorders, and psychosis. PMAD symptoms can show up within the first year after delivery, but most commonly present themselves within the first three weeks to three months. In many countries, as many as 1 in 5 birthing people experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.

How does the traditional healthcare system identify mental health disorders after pregnancy? Typically, you will be asked to take a survey at your newborn’s first check-up with their pediatrician (typically occurs within the first week of giving birth). This asks you questions about how you are feeling emotionally. Depending on your answers, you may not be asked about how you are mentally and emotionally until your six-week check-up with your own provider. 

Let’s recap:

• PMADs effects approximately 1 in 5 birthing people

• Symptoms can begin showing as early as three weeks postpartum

• Birthing people will likely see their provider six weeks after they have given birth

Folks, we have a gap! How do we close that gap in our homes? We educate. Talk about PMADs with your provider, doula, or birth educator to learn about symptom. Talk to your partner, family, and friends about the symptoms they should look out for while you are in this first-year post birth forest. Having a line of defense (your community) know what to look for can aid in identification and early treatment. 

Birthing During a Pandemic

What a new territory we are all finding ourselves in today. Lots of different cities, counties, and states are all interpreting the current health pandemic (COVID-19) differently. This means that depending on where you live, the policies and procedures are going to look different for your pregnancy and birth. It is possible that you will be attending your prenatal check-ups solo. If you are birthing in a hospital, you will likely experience a reduction in who can support you in the labor and delivery room, and it is probable that visitors will not be welcomed. Many birthing people have taken this opportunity to re-evaluate their wants for their birth and are opting for home births with a midwife. 

Prepare for unlikely events by talking with your provider about their policies and procedures during the pandemic. Being more informed may help ease anxiety. Again, meditation and affirmations can go a long way! 

When to get help

As we talked about, some fear, anxiousness, and worry are common in pregnancy. However, there is a difference between common worrying and all-consuming anxiety. If you are unable to concentrate on your day-to-day life, have trouble functioning at home or work, have obsessive thoughts, frequently feel panicked or restlessness, or don’t enjoy things that would typically make you happy, it is time to talk to your provider. It could be a sign of a more serious anxiety diagnosis.  

If you are someone who has had a previous anxiety diagnosis, had anxiety during a previous pregnancy, experienced pregnancy loss or fertility struggles, or are in an extremely high stress situations (at work or home), you may be at an increased risk. 

Early communication is key, with both your partner and your provider. 

 - Krista Lee, Certified Doula- BAI