How’s Mom’s Anxiety?

If you know someone who is pregnant or has recently given birth, have you asked: How’s Mom?

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Learning and talking about anxiety during pregnancy and after birth can help improve our community response and support for families!

What is Anxiety?

• A feeling of being really worried or scared about something that might happen
• It is different for a lot of people; it can be minor or major
• It is okay to talk about it, find healthy ways to handle it, and seek medical help

What is Postpartum Panic Disorder: 

• When anxiety feelings get too strong, this can affect mom physically and mentally
• Feeling like something bad could happen at any time
• Overwhelming fear
• Frequent panic attacks

Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Can’t sleep
• Rapid heartbeat
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Feeling very worried or scared
• Headaches
• Nausea or stomach pains
• Can’t sit still

Anxiety Triggers:

• Health difficulties during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond
• Traumatic experiences
• Relationship stressors
• Some substances
• Stress
• Financial challenges
• History of anxiety disorder, panic attacks or depression
• Not all anxiety is caused by a situation or triggering event

How Does Anxiety Affect Pregnancy?

• Research shows anxiety during pregnancy might lead to babies being born too early or with low weight
• Anxiety can also mess up eating and sleeping habits, which can make things even more stressful
• If anxiety gets really high, it might cause problems like high blood pressure and preeclampsia, which is a serious health issue for both the pregnant person and their family

Sources of Support:

• Home visiting services
• Healthcare providers
• Counseling programs
• Support for family and friends
• Support groups
• Doula support and services
• Prenatal and postpartum providers
• Peer specialists
• Community resource centers to assist with self-care and wellness techniques
• The faith-based community
• If you or your loved ones are not getting support that is right for you, consider changing providers or exploring other options!

Call the doctor if anxiety is affecting mom during the pregnancy or postpartum period, and/or is causing frequent panic attacks. 

Talk about it! You are not alone! Many people struggle with anxiety. No one is to blame. There are ways to get help and support!

For more information:

• www.browardhsc.org
• 954-567-7174
• Facebook: @browardhealthystartcoalition
• Instagram: @browardhsc
• Youtube: @browardhsc
• X: @broward_hsc