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Anxiety

Managing Anxiety When You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to anxiety during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Like most people, you might experience anxiety at some point in your life, like when dealing with a problem at work or at home, when you or a loved one is facing a health complication – or when you find out you are pregnant! It can be hard to tell the difference between what is usual worry/fear vs. symptoms that might be more concerning. When anxiety does not go away, gets worse over time, and/or interferes with everyday activities, those may be signs of an anxiety disorder. Some people may have anxiety disorders before they get pregnant, while others may develop anxiety disorders during pregnancy or after delivery.

“The multiple adverse perinatal outcomes associated with anxiety [in pregnancy] highlight the need to both identify and manage [people who are pregnant] with high levels of anxiety.”

— Grigoriadis et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(5):17r12011.

Untreated anxiety disorders during pregnancy may increase the chance of adverse outcomes such as preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight; they may also make it more difficult to bond with the baby during and after pregnancy, and could increase the chance of having a mood disorder, such as depression, after delivery. If you are concerned about anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage it. These might include non-medication options—such as talk therapy, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and exercise—as well as medications. As always, check out our resources if you’re looking for information about specific medications while you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or nursing.

Reference: Buist et al. J Affect Disord. 2011 Jun; 131(1-3): 277–283.

Not Feeling Like Yourself?

Are you a new parent – or about to be – and feeling sad, worried, or concerned that you aren’t good enough? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline counselors provide 24/7, free, confidential emotional support and resources to help you feel better. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Are you currently in crisis? Call or text 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Have a Question?

Need information about anxiety or a mental health medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Contact a MotherToBaby information specialist.

Please see our library of resources below on anxiety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Related Fact Sheets

  • Alprazolam
  • Amitriptyline
  • Anxiety
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify®)
  • Breastfeeding Following a Natural Disaster
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin®)
  • Buspirone (Buspar®)
  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
  • Citalopram | Escitalopram (Celexa® | Lexapro®)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
  • Clorazepate
  • Depression
  • Diazepam (Valium®)
  • Doxepin
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
  • Hydroxyzine (Vistaril®, Atarax®)
  • Imipramine (Tofranil®)
  • Lorazepam
  • Midazolam
  • Nefazodone (Serzone®)
  • Nortriptyline (Aventyl®)
  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa®)
  • Paroxetine
  • Physical Trauma
  • Sertraline (Zoloft®)
  • Stress
  • Trazodone
  • Venlafaxine (Effexor®)

Related Baby Blogs

  • Empowering Education and Support for Breastfeeding Women Living in Rural Communities
  • Managing Mom’s Anxiety during Pregnancy
  • When Addiction Recovery Meets Pregnancy: Finding a Balance for Mom and Baby
  • Top Tips For A Holly Jolly Pregnancy This Season
  • Don’t Stress Me Out: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Pregnancy
  • Zoloft and Pregnancy: Battling the Holiday Blues
  • Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Making Medication Decisions in Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
  • When Counting Sheep Doesn’t Work: Insomnia and Pregnancy
  • From Bliss, To Barely Breathing: Finding The Light Again After Infant Loss
  • Is It Normal To Be Anxious During Pregnancy?

Related Podcasts

  • Ep. 71: Maternal Mental Health
  • Ep. 57: Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and Psychosis
  • Ep. 42: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Medications
  • Ep. 41: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
  • Episode 30: Ask the Pharmacist - Mood & Pregnancy

External Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Get Help
  • American Academy of Pediatrics: Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth: FAQs
  • Anxiety & Depression Association of America: Pregnancy and Medication
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • International Childbirth Education Association: Breastfeeding and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: Anxiety Disorders
  • National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Partner Toolkit
  • Postpartum Support International: Anxiety During Pregnancy & Postpartum
  • What To Expect: Anxiety during Pregnancy: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Partners

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
  • Patient Education Genius
  • PatientsLikeMe
  • Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Society for Birth Defects Research & Prevention
  • The Mighty

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