Perinatal Anxiety.

Perinatal anxiety refers to anxiety experienced during the antenatal (pregnancy) and/or postpartum period (first 12 months after birth) and impacts 1 in 5 Australian mothers.

What is Perinatal Anxiety?

Symptoms

The symptoms of perinatal anxiety can begin suddenly or build gradually through the perinatal period and can range from moderate to severe depending on the frequency, intensity and type of symptoms being experienced.  

Some symptoms may include:  

  • Anxiety or fears that interrupt and interfere with thoughts and daily functioning/tasks.  

  • Panic attacks 

  • A feeling of tightness in the chest and heart palpitations 

  • Struggling to relax and fall asleep at night  

  • Anxiety or worry that stops the woman leaving the house with her baby 

  • Constant checking on baby because of anxiety and fears 

Anxiety disorders can have significant effects on a mother’s health and wellbeing, and in turn impact her children and partner. Early detection and accessing support for perinatal anxiety can enable the mother to experience a greater state of wellbeing, and prevent deterioration or symptoms from worsening.   

Please see below for resources and services that can support you if you are experiencing or think you may be experiencing perinatal anxiety.  

Resources

  • PANDA

    Perinatal Anxiety and Depression: Signs and symptoms

    PANDA

  • Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)

    Antenatal anxiety

    COPE

  • Raising Children

    Antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety

    Raising Children

Services

  • Mum Space

    MumSpace is designed to connect you quickly with the level of support you need, from advice and support in the transition to parenthood, to effective online treatment programs for perinatal depression and anxiety.

    Mum Space

  • PANDA

    PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.

    1300 726 306

    Monday-Saturday

    PANDA

  • For When

    Connects parents that are struggling to navigate the complex waters of pregnancy and new parenthood to the critical mental health services they might need most.

    1300 24 23 22 between 9.00am-4.30pm – Monday to Friday.

    For When

  • Lifeline

    National charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

    24/7 support line: 13 11 14

    Lifeline