Is anxiousness a sign of pregnancy
Recognizing Anxiety During Pregnancy - Anxiety Canada
Pregnancy is an emotional time, and anxiety is just one of many feelings that pregnant women experience. A moderate amount of new fears and worries is normal and expected during this time of change. If you are experiencing quite a bit of anxiety, it can be helpful to first learn more about what anxiety is, and how it can show up during pregnancy.
“Late in my pregnancy I feel so panicky all the time, my heart feels like it is always racing and I can’t even take deep breaths. I’m so scared to have another panic attack, I barely want to leave the house.” – Susan
“I know it’s not rational but since I’ve become pregnant I keep having this constant sense of dread. Like something terrible is going to happen to my husband, and I will be left alone and pregnant. I text him several times a day to reassure myself he’s okay, but it doesn’t make me feel better for very long. I just hate being alone now.” – Anjali
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural, adaptive response we experience when we feel unsafe or threatened. We can experience many kinds of “threats” to the safety of ourselves and/or our loved ones. Sometimes we are anxious about something specific (e.g., waiting for the results of a diagnostic test). Some threats feel more vague, like a general sense that something bad will happen. We may also experience anxiety to a threat we are imagining in our heads, like picturing a loved one getting into an accident.
We can experience anxiety in these areas:
- In our bodies (increased heart rate, sore stomach, tight chest and throat, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, difficulty falling or staying asleep, etc.)
- In our mind (racing thoughts about the future; imagining the worst-case scenario; ruminating; worrying and obsessing, etc.)
- In our actions or behaviours (avoiding certain situations, activities, places, or people; over-controlling; asking others for constant reassurance; checking things repeatedly; being extra careful and vigilant of danger, etc. )
Other possible signs of anxiety during pregnancy:
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- irritability
- muscle tension (grinding teeth, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, muscle twitching)
- difficulty concentrating and focusing
- forgetfulness
How common is anxiety during pregnancy?
Anxiety is very common during pregnancy, and by some measures even more common than depression. Factors that could increase the chances of experiencing high anxiety during pregnancy include:
- history of high anxiety and/or depression
- perfectionism (believing you should not make any mistakes and do everything just right)
- history of miscarriage(s)
- high-risk pregnancy
- major life stressors (such as marital or financial problems)
Anjali’s Story
Anjali is a 28-year-old married woman in her second trimester of pregnancy.
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Susan’s Story
Susan is a 36-year-old mother in her third trimester of pregnancy. She also has a five-year-old son, Jacob.
Read more about this story
Anxiety and pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
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If you are extremely distressed or having suicidal thoughts call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for immediate support.
Key facts
- Anxiety during pregnancy is also known as antenatal anxiety. Antenatal anxiety is common, and it can affect either parent.
- If you have antenatal anxiety, you may feel very anxious about your baby’s welfare, and seek frequent reassurance that they are healthy and developing normally.
- Seeking professional help early, when you first notice symptoms, will allow you to get the support you need before your baby arrives.
- If you suffer from anxiety there is support available. Ask your GP, midwife or child healthcare nurse for advice, or call one of the support services listed below.
What is antenatal anxiety?
It’s natural to feel a little anxious when you’re pregnant, but for some people, anxiety can become a real problem. If you suffer from anxiety there is support available, so it’s a good idea to know the signs.
Anxiety during pregnancy is also known as antenatal anxiety. Antenatal anxiety can affect either or both parents.
Anxiety is more than feeling worried in a specific situation. It occurs when feelings of worry and stress come on for no particular reason, keep coming back and can’t be controlled easily. If left untreated, anxiety can have a major impact on your wellbeing.
Anxiety is a common mental health problem in Australia. It is even more common during pregnancy. Despite this, many people assume that their symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy and don’t seek help.
If you have antenatal anxiety, you may experience symptoms of any of these conditions:
- In generalised anxiety, a person feels anxious on most days.
- In panic disorder, a person has panic attacks. These involve attacks of overwhelming anxiety, that may include physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness.
- Agoraphobia refers to an intense fear of open or public spaces.
- In obsessive-compulsive disorder, a person feels an intense need to carry out certain behaviours or rituals.
- In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a person’s anxiety relates to a past traumatic event. The person may have bad dreams, vivid flashbacks and find it hard to relax.
- In social phobia, a person may feel intensely worried about being criticised or humiliated in public.
If you had anxiety in the past, you have a greater risk of developing an anxiety disorder during pregnancy. If you already have an anxiety disorder, it’s important to seek treatment early in your pregnancy, so that you and your baby receive the right support.
How do I know if I have antenatal anxiety?
You might have antenatal anxiety if you are expecting a baby and you:
- feel worried, stressed or on edge most of the time
- have fears that take over your thinking
- have panic attacks
- have tense muscles when you are doing daily tasks
- have trouble sleeping because of your thoughts or feelings
These symptoms can develop gradually, or may come on suddenly and intensely. They can get worse over time if they’re not treated.
If you have antenatal anxiety, you may feel very anxious about your baby’s welfare, and seek frequent reassurance that they are healthy and developing normally.
What’s the difference between antenatal anxiety and antenatal depression?
Many people with antenatal anxiety may also have antenatal depression.
If you have antenatal depression, you may experience symptoms such as:
- low mood
- feeling hopeless
- finding it difficult to concentrate
- difficulty sleeping or eating normally
- losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
How is antenatal anxiety diagnosed?
If you notice symptoms of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor, midwife or child health care nurse. They may ask about your feelings, give you a questionnaire to complete and ask to speak to your partner, if you have one. They may also do a physical examination.
Try to answer as honestly as you can — this will make it easier for your doctor or nurse to give you the treatment and support you need. Remember, postnatal anxiety and depression are extremely common. There’s no need to feel ashamed.
How is antenatal anxiety treated?
If your anxiety is mild, it may be enough for you to get more support from your doctor or child healthcare nurse.
More severe anxiety may need treatment with psychological therapies and, sometimes, medicines. Your doctor will discuss what this means for your baby and whether the medicine will affect breastfeeding.
Having antenatal anxiety can affect your ability to enjoy the pregnancy and prepare for parenthood. Seeking professional help when you first notice symptoms will allow you to get the support you need before your baby arrives.
There are safe ways to treat both anxiety and depression at the same time during pregnancy.
Where can I go for advice and support?
- Talk to your partner, or someone else you trust.
- Ask your GP or midwife for advice.
- Call one of these support services:
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306
- ForWhen — 1300 24 23 22 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm)
- Gidget Foundation — online and telehealth support — 1300 851 758
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
If you are extremely distressed or having suicidal thoughts call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for immediate support.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
Beyond Blue (Anxiety), Beyond Blue (Types of anxiety), Beyond Blue (Anxiety and depression in new dads), Beyond Blue (Emotional health and wellbeing: A guide for new dads, partners and other carers), COPE Centre of Perinatal Excellence (Antenatal anxiety), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Depression and Anxiety during pregnancy and following birth), The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) (Understanding Your Emotional Health - What are Postnatal Depression & Anxiety?), Perinatal anxiety and depression Australia (Antenatal anxiety: signs and symptoms)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2022
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Related pages
- Fathers and depression
- Postnatal depression
- Anxiety and parenthood
- Common worries and fears for parents
- Mental wellbeing during pregnancy
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First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms
Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of pregnancy at an early stage and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.
At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear
The answer to the question when the first signs of pregnancy appear is quite ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.
What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?
The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:
- delayed menstruation - 29%;
- nausea - 25%;
- mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
- breast changes - 17%;
- pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
- depression - 15%;
- fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
- decrease in immunity - 6%;
- the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%.
Physiological first signs of pregnancy
What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?
The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:
- Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.
- Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.
- Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.
- Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as mild uterine cramps.
- Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches, while others experience back pain.
- Insomnia - another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.
- Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.
- Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).
- Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
- Bloody discharge - the first signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, approximately 10 to 14 days after conception.
- Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus - these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.
- Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).
- Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, which is a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.
- Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.
- Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.
- Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.
Emotional first signs of pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy before the delay (the earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
- Vulnerability, tearfulness.
- Capriciousness.
- Depression.
These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.
Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.
However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.
Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine
Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, can cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:
- In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
- For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
- Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
- For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
- For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports enlarged breasts.
- For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
- If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
- Maintain your daily physical activity for as long as it is convenient for you to perform certain activities.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Important! All these tips are advisory in nature, be sure to consult your doctor if you encounter discomfort.
What to do if you notice early signs of pregnancy
To make sure the signs of pregnancy are accurate, you can use the following methods to diagnose early pregnancy:
- Donate blood for hCG. This method can be used a few days after conception. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that is analyzed in a hospital. It determines whether there is a pregnancy hormone in your body and in what quantity. Its accuracy is 99%.
- Use a test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay. To determine pregnancy, dip the reagent area of the test strip into the urine. Accuracy: 99%. You can buy Evitest or HomeTest test strips in our pharmacy.
- Use jet or electronic test. They can be used at home a few days before your expected period. You need to remove its protective cap, substitute the test under the stream of urine for 10 seconds, and after 3-5 minutes get the result. Accuracy: 97%. In our pharmacy you can buy Evitest or Alpe inkjet tests.
- Get your first ultrasound. You can use this method at 3-4 weeks from the start of a missed period. At this time, ultrasound will show the very fact of uterine pregnancy, and the place of attachment of the fetal egg is also determined. Accuracy: 100%.
Help Doc.ua: you can make an appointment with a gynecologist on the website.
10 signs indicating pregnancy! - Pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy are usually the time when we are waiting for the menstruation and conclude that it is delayed. If the state of health has not changed, it may be worth waiting a little longer. In seven out of ten women, pregnancy symptoms do not appear until two weeks after the missed period.
10 signs that may indicate that you are pregnant:
1. Dislike for food
The smell of food can cause nausea. Appetite can disappear only because you did not like the smell of a sandwich, although there were no such problems before. It can also be with morning coffee.
2. Change of mood
Emotions become strong - both positive and negative. Feelings of anxiety, fatigue may increase, tearfulness may appear. Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect how your brain works. If you have depressive feelings, talk to your family doctor about it.
3. Bloating
Clothes may be tight around the waist. The uterus, of course, has not yet grown that much, although this may affect, but hormonal changes often cause bloating.
4. Frequent desire to urinate
You may have to go to the toilet more often than usual. The fact is that during pregnancy, the blood washes the kidneys more actively, and the bladder fills more often.
5. Fatigue
If you feel suddenly tired and may want to sleep longer and more often than usual. No one knows exactly why women experience such impotence at the beginning of pregnancy, but most likely it is due to an increase in the hormone progesterone in the woman's body.
6. Swelling, sensitive breasts
Most of the hormones in your body are elevated, and this can make your breasts become sensitive and even painful. Such sensations may have already touched you before menstruation, but during pregnancy the sensations may be stronger.
7. Nausea
Toxicosis during pregnancy mostly in the morning, although it can torment you at any time of the day. It usually starts around 2 weeks after your period seems to start. You may even be vomiting, or just nauseated. In half of the women, these discomforts disappear at the end of the third trimester, in the rest in the second trimester. But there are those who avoid toxicosis.
8. Absence of menstruation
If you usually have regular periods, but this time you do not, it is logical that this may indicate the onset of pregnancy. But, if they are not regular or if you do not follow your cycle, this symptom may not be the first one you pay attention to.
9. Elevated basal temperature
If you measure your basal temperature every day, you will immediately notice the changes.