Excessive fear and worry during pregnancy is called antenatal or prenatal anxiety.
Pregnancy anxiety can occur at any time, but it may be particularly common during the first trimester.
If your symptoms are impacting your daily routine, it’s worth speaking with someone who can help. Anxiety can be managed with therapy, medication, and self-management strategies.
Pregnancy represents a new chapter for you and your loved ones. It’s something to celebrate, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re expecting for the first time or a more experienced parent, it’s normal to experience some anxiety during your pregnancy.
If you feel like your anxiety is impacting your daily life, know that support is available. Therapy can help you manage symptoms so that you feel more present throughout your pregnancy and parenting journey.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety while pregnant
Prenatal anxiety, or antenatal anxiety, involves excessive fears and concerns related to pregnancy. You might worry about your baby's development, the risk of miscarriage, and not having control of your body. You may also find yourself questioning your parenting abilities or how you’ll cope with the added responsibility of a new baby.
While these are all valid concerns, it’s worth reflecting on how these thoughts influence your mental state. Learning about some common symptoms of anxiety can help you understand if your experience is linked to an anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy include:
Irritability and changes in mood
Constant worrying about the baby, childbirth, or being a parent
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
Feeling overwhelmed by appointments and preparations
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Feeling like your worries are out of control
Feeling a pervasive sense of dread about your future with your child
Physical symptoms like muscle tension and headaches
In some cases, pregnancy anxiety stems from a specific phobia. For example, tokophobia is the fear of giving birth. Extreme fear of needles (trypanophobia) or medical procedures (tomophobia) could also trigger anxiety during pregnancy.
What causes anxiety during pregnancy?
Anxiety can occur anytime throughout pregnancy, but it’s especially common during the first trimester [1]. At this point in your pregnancy, you may be coping with an increase in hormones and physical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and trouble sleeping. Pregnancy loss is more common during the first trimester, which can trigger or worsen anxiety.
Several risk factors may increase your chances of developing anxiety during or after pregnancy. You may be more likely to experience an anxiety disorder [2] if you:
Have a personal history or family history of anxiety
Experienced previous health challenges related to pregnancy or delivery
Experienced a previous pregnancy loss
Have a history of childhood trauma
Feel socially isolated or have limited support
The effects of antenatal anxiety
Living with antenatal anxiety can make it difficult to enjoy your pregnancy. Activities like choosing your stroller and decorating your nursery may be overshadowed by worry and stress.
You might have trouble connecting with your partner, regulating your emotions, or finding joy in your journey. Unmanaged anxiety can even increase your risk of other mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors [3].*
Antenatal anxiety can also have consequences for your child. Research shows that anxiety during pregnancy increases the risk [4] for preterm birth, low birthweight, and a smaller head circumference.
*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call or text 988 on any phone for the Suicide & Crisis lifeline, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. Any of these resources will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away. For more information on getting help, go to 988lifeline.org
If experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
Coping with increased anxiety while pregnant
Anxiety is never easy, but it can feel particularly challenging when you’re navigating a major life change like pregnancy. Fortunately, it can often be managed with self-compassion, social support, and consistent routines.
These self-management techniques may help you cope with anxiety during pregnancy:
Spend time with loved ones. Raising children takes a village, and that begins during your pregnancy. Spend time with people who are supportive or understand what you're going through.
Make small changes. Pregnancy is a huge life event, so look for small ways to support your mental health. For example, you might start your day with a short meditation or take a walk after dinner.
Prioritize healthy habits. Pregnancy can take a real toll on your body, so try to make time for healthy meals, regular movement, and consistent sleep.
Keep a journal. If you often feel stressed or overwhelmed, consider keeping a journal. This is a chance to reflect on your thoughts, triggers, and hopes for the future.
Seeking anxiety treatment during pregnancy
If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety during pregnancy, it’s best to seek professional help. One in five women [5] meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder during or shortly after pregnancy, so know that you’re not alone. For many people, anxiety disorders can be managed with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Therapy offers a supportive space to understand what's driving your fears and how to cope. With the support of your therapist, you can learn to reduce symptoms and regain control in your pregnancy.
Some of the most effective approaches for anxiety include:
Medications may also be prescribed to treat anxiety. However, it’s best to speak with a provider about options that are safe for use during pregnancy.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
I often remind clients that pregnancy is a time of change, not a loss of self. While it's natural to feel uneasy about physical changes, your body isn't working against you. It's doing something remarkable. Learning to view those changes as signs of adaptation rather than danger can help many people feel more at home in their bodies during pregnancy.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Pregnancy is a special time in your life, but it can also feel stressful and overwhelming. If you're experiencing anxiety while pregnant, help is available. Through individual or couples therapy, you can learn new tools to help you manage your emotions and expectations.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Generalized anxiety disorder: course and risk factors in pregnancy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21269708/
- Anxiety and Pregnancy https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/anxiety-and-pregnancy
- Antenatal Anxiety Symptoms Outperform Antenatal Depression Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation as a Risk Factor for Postpartum Suicidal Ideation https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12042954/
- Maternal Anxiety During Pregnancy and the Association With Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30192449/
- The Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Multivariate Bayesian Meta-Analysis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6839961/
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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