Pregnancy is a period of profound transformation, a chapter in life full of joy and expectations, but also of great physical, mental and emotional changes. For some people, pregnancy is peaceful, for others it can become overwhelming, accompanied by doubts and worries.
If you recognize yourself in this vortex of emotions, know that theanxiety during pregnancy it’s a much more common experience than you might think. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong or that you won’t be a good mother. It is a natural reaction to such a significant event, but for this very reason it deserves to be listened to and understood, not ignored.
In this article we will explore anxiety during pregnancy to better understand what it is, why it occurs and what its effects are. Above all, we will see together how a future mother can learn to manage it to experience gestation and the arrival of motherhood with greater serenity.
Pregnancy and anxiety: a more common link than you think
The question arises spontaneously: can pregnancy really cause anxiety? The answer is absolutely yes, and there is nothing strange about that.
Pregnancy and anxiety they are two experiences that often intertwine, fueled by a complex symphony of physical and psychological factors.
Pregnancy is a time of significant changes, both physical and emotional. During this phase, the body adapts in sometimes imperceptible ways, while the prospect of a different future can arouse mixed emotions. Furthermore, interaction with others can intensify. Advice and opinions on how to deal with this experience often come.
On the one hand, the body is the scene of a real hormonal upheaval: the increase in progesterone and estrogen, essential for gestation, can influence the nervous system and contribute to unexpected mood swings during pregnancy. Added to this is the alteration of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate our emotional responses.
On the other hand, the mind works non-stop. The worries during pregnancy they are many and completely legitimate: the health of the child, economic stability, changing couple dynamics, childbirth. This mix of biological and psychological factors can easily result in states of anxiety more or less intense.
The fears during pregnancy can take on a thousand faces: concern for the well-being of the childeconomic uncertainty, the fear of childbirth, the sense of responsibility for the new life. It’s an almost endless list of “what ifs?” which can crowd the mind.
In more serious cases, when these worries intensify and become chronic, generalized anxiety disorder can develop. A test such as the GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder – 7) can help the professional confirm or exclude this type of disorder.
Anxiety in the different stages of pregnancy
Just as the symptoms of pregnancy change during the nine months, anxiety can also manifest itself differently depending on the stage you are in.
Every quarter entails unique challenges and emotions Understanding these changes can help expectant mothers better manage the anxiety they feel.
Anxiety in the first trimester of pregnancy
In first weeks of pregnancy, the body begins to adapt to a series of significant biological changes. The production of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen increases, triggering processes essential to support fetal development and maternal adaptation. These changes can affect both a physical and emotional level, marking the beginning of a new phase in the person’s life.
THE’anxiety at the beginning of pregnancy it’s an extremely common experience. The first three months are a concentration of intense emotions: the joy of discovery mixes with concern for the unknown. Thoughts like “Will I be a good mother?” or “Will my baby be okay?” they are completely normal. Furthermore, in this phase, the fear of a spontaneous abortion is frequent. This fear, even without real medical reasons, can generate significant anxiety.
While the body is creating a new lifeit is necessary for expectant mothers to take care of themselves, seek support and inform themselves about what is happening. This can help reduce early pregnancy anxiety.
Anxiety in the second trimester
With the arrival of the second trimester, many of the initial physical discomforts, such as nausea, tend to ease. You begin to feel the baby’s first movements and the pregnancy becomes more ‘visible’: a moment often experienced with great emotion.
However, worries can simply change shape. The questions shift to more practical and future aspects: “How will I be able to balance work and motherhood?”, “Am I eating the right way for the baby?”, “Will my changing body be okay?”.
The important thing in this situation is dedicate time to yourself. You can try doing yoga, reading a book, or simply drinking a cup of hot tea and taking a deep breath. A meta-analysis by Staffordshire University (Dhillon et al., 2017) has in fact highlighted that mindfulness and meditation can positively impact mood and perceived stress during pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different, so it is essential to listen to yourself and your body.
Talk about fears and anxieties with partners, friends or mental health professionals can be very useful in protecting your psychological well-being.
Anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy
THE’anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy it often tends to intensify. The finish line is near: the weeks are counted, the cradle is prepared, the first moments together are imagined. But the very approach of childbirth can bring out new and intense fears.
Major sources of concern at this final stage may include:
- there fear of childbirth (sometimes so intense that it becomes tocophobia), pain and the feeling of not being ready to face it;
- worry about growing responsibilities as a parent;
- fear for one’s psychological and physical well-being after birth, including fear of postpartum depression.
Even at this stage, it is usual to have some fears. The first meeting with the baby is approaching. This moment is exciting, but also a little scary. Practicing relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety in this very delicate moment.
Anxiety and depression during pregnancy: what are the differences?
It is important not to confuse anxiety with depression in pregnancy. Although they may have some symptoms in common and sometimes coexist, they are two distinct conditions. While anxiety is characterized primarily by fear, worry and tension, depression manifests itself as persistent sadness, a loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities and a deep feeling of emptiness.
Suffering from depression during pregnancy, as well as postpartum depression, is a more common experience than you might imagine. It is possible to want your baby immensely and, at the same time, feel overwhelmed, sad, and drained of energy. These feelings are not a fault, but a sign that it is important to ask for help.
Hormonal changes, social pressure, and impending responsibilities can cause a whirlwind of emotions, including those related to more unpleasant feelings. You can feel sad, listless and lacking energy.
It’s not easy to deal with pregnancy when you experience depression and anxiety. Talking to your doctor, a counselor or a support group can help you manage anxiety and depression during pregnancy.
Symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy: how to recognize it
Recognize i symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy It can be complicated, because some of them overlap with the normal changes of pregnancy. Tiredness, sleep disturbances, or even a rapid heartbeat can be attributed to the pregnancy itself. For example, anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy are often closely linked.
However, there are some specific signs that, especially if present continuously, can indicate a state of anxiety that deserves attention. According to the DSM-5, anxiety manifests itself through a constellation of symptoms. While some may overlap with normal pregnancy changes, they require careful evaluation (Artoni, 2024). Here are some warning signs:
- constant feeling of worry, fear or impending catastrophe;
- irritability and sudden mood swings;
- difficulty sleeping or constantly restless sleep;
- palpitations, tachycardia or ‘heart pounding’ sensation;
- continues agitation during pregnancyboth physical and mental, with difficulty relaxing;
- recurring or obsessive thoughts that are difficult to banish;
- physical symptoms such as tremors, headache, dizziness or muscle tension.
Anxiety during pregnancy: what effects on mother and baby?
One of fears during pregnancy the greater is that one’s anxiety can have negative consequences. It’s a legitimate concern. Living with constant anxiety can be exhausting for the expectant mother, affecting her emotional and physical well-being.
But what are the effects of anxiety during pregnancy on the baby? Scientific research (Glover & O’Connor, 2006) suggests that high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can cross the placenta. However, it is essential to interpret this information without alarmism: the body has protection mechanisms and, above all, each case is unique. The impact depends on the intensity and duration of the anxiety. For this reason, if you experience strong agitation during pregnancy or frequent panic attacks, it is crucial to talk to a professional. Managing anxiety is the best way to protect yourself and your baby.
How to manage anxiety during pregnancy: treatments and strategies
The good news is that you are not helpless in the face of anxiety. There are many effective strategies and treatments to manage it. Some people find relief with natural remedies and lifestyle changes, while others may need more structured support, which in some cases may include medications to be taken only under close medical supervision).
The goal is to find a suitable treatment to your specific needs, which is safe for you and your baby. Here are some of the most effective options:
- Psychotherapy: talking to a mental health professional is one of the most powerful tools. A therapist can help you explore the roots of your fears and develop practical strategies for managing them, through approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic psychotherapy.
- Physical exercise: gentle and regular physical activity (always approved by your doctor), such as a daily walk or prenatal yoga, can improve mood and reduce tension.
- Drug therapy: in some cases, when the anxiety is particularly disabling, the doctor may evaluate the use of safe drugs during pregnancy. This option should only be considered under close medical supervision.
- Relaxation techniques: practices such as meditation, mindfulness or simple deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and manage moments of peak anxiety.
- Social support: Don’t underestimate the power of a chat. Share yours worries during pregnancy with your partner, trusted friends, family or support groups for expectant mothers can reduce feelings of isolation and make you feel understood.
Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy is not a luxury, but a fundamental act of love for yourself and your baby. His well being it also depends on yours. Recognizing that you need help and actively seeking it is the first courageous step to managing anxiety effectively.
A journey with a psychotherapist, including through an online psychology service, can offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which to explore one’s emotions, acquire practical tools and protect one’s psychophysical well-being in this delicate and precious phase of life.
