Published: | Updated:

WHAT IS POSTNATAL ANXIETY?

As many as 17 per cent of new mothers experience postnatal anxiety after giving birth, studies suggest. 

It is thought to be caused by a combination of the shock of parenthood, hormonal fluctuations, and the impact family life has on sleep and stress levels.

Some women experience postnatal generalised anxiety disorder, which is defined as a constant state of anxiety.

This is where you worry about everything from your child's feeding patterns to your ability as a parent.

Postnatal obsessive compulsive disorder occurs when a woman experiences distressing thoughts about harm coming to her baby.

And postnatal health anxiety is when the mind becomes preoccupied that there may be something wrong with the baby's health.

Many anxiety sufferers feel tense and on edge, and battle a constant sense of dread.

They may also become paranoid that people can tell something is wrong.

And their mind is often busy with thoughts and continuously dwelling on negative situations.  

Physical symptoms may include:

  • Tense muscles and headaches
  • Pins and needles
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  • Sweating or hot flushes
  • Palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • Needing the toilet more or less frequently
  • Churning feeling in the stomach
  • Panic attacks

Treatment is made up of talking therapies and anti-anxiety medication.

People can help themselves cope by shifting their focus onto something small, like the details on a picture or the fabric of their clothes.

Breathing exercises and staying active can also help. 

Advertisement

Read articles that feature this panel

Mother, 33, has not left her house in FIVE YEARS after developing postnatal anxiety five months on from a 'fantastic birth'

Jennie Oneill, 33, of Hull, was dropping her eldest daughter Olivia, now ten, and stepson off at the school gate in 2014 when her legs...

'Blissfully unaware of what lay ahead': Louise Thompson posts throwback photo from pregnancy acupuncture session as she continues to battle...

Louise Thompson has shared a reflective post about her pregnancy as she continues to contend with the symptoms of PTSD after the birth of...

'The brain agitation is just unbearable': Louise Thompson admits she 'can't hide the tears' and has 'cried to every person who set foot in...

The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, has been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and perinatal anxiety since the birth of her...

'I worry I won't be strong enough to throw him a birthday party': Louise Thompson says she fears her ongoing battle with PTSD will affect...

Louise Thompson has spoken of her fear that her ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder will affect her son Leo as he grows up.

'Why am I stuck in this stressed, panicked state?!' Louise Thompson admits she longs to feel 'normal' after hospital stay as she dotes on...

The former Made In Chelsea star took to Instagram where she posted a slew of photographs showing her doting on her baby boy, but confessed...

Louise Thompson says she felt 'more safe' in hospital as she could 'be fully selfish and treat myself as number one' as her battle with PTSD...

Louise Thompson has given more insight into her continuing battled with post-traumatic stress disorder and perinatal anxiety following the...

'Thanks for being patient with me': Bikini-clad Louise Thompson shares appreciative post with husband Ryan Libbey during spa break as she...

The former Made in Chelsea star, 32, is battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-natal anxiety after two near-death...

'Struggling a lot this morning': Louise Thompson speaks out on her 'mum guilt' over sending son Leo to nursery and admits she is gutted to...

The former Made In Chelsea star is battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-natal anxiety after two near-death experiences.

Louise Thompson enjoys an ice bath to 'soothe unpredictable emotions' after sharing emotional video reflecting on her battle with PTSD

The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, took an ice bath in her back garden of her London home to help 'soothe unpredictable emotions' on...

Louise Thompson reveals she endured 'an hour of partial blindness' after returning home from hospital for emergency colon surgery

The former reality star, 32, has revealed that she went 'partially blind' on Tuesday morning, after returning home from hospital for colon...

'Mental health is the most cruel, invisible disease': Louise Thompson shares emotional video as she reflects on her PTSD battle and reveals...

Louise Thompson has shared an update on 'the most crazy year' as she continues to receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and...

'I finally have all the normal parent feels!' Louise Thompson celebrates eight months of baby Leo with throwback video as she battles...

The Made In Chelsea star, 32, confessed to being grateful for being in 'a more lucid place' and praised her partner Ryan Libbey, 31, for...

'I miss sweet baby Leo like mad': Louise Thompson shares an update after being rushed back to hospital amid ongoing battle with PTSD and...

Louise Thompson has shared a photo from hospital after being rushed back into treatment earlier this week for her ongoing battle with PTSD...

Louise Thompson is rushed to hospital on holiday - amid ongoing battle with PTSD and post-natal anxiety after two near-death experiences

Louise Thompson has been rushed to hospital, days after detailing fears that she is suffering from 'brain damage' in the wake of two...

Most watched News videos