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Are you Experiencing Expectant Parents’ Anxiety?
FInd yourself worrying constantly during pregnancy? Are you frequently getting anxious about something happening to your child? Are you calling your doctor frequently to voice your concerns?
Feeling anxious while pregnant is completely normal. It’s natural to worry about whether your baby is healthy and fears about being a good parent. These hormonal changes can also affect your mood and emotions, making you more prone to worry and stress. However, there is a difference between normal worries and a more serious anxiety disorder during pregnancy, also called antenatal anxiety.
Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms of Antenatal Anxiety:
- Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge frequently
- An uncontrollable sense of anxiousness
- Worrying excessively about things, especially your health or your baby
- Finding it difficult or impossible to relax
- Feeling restless and hard to stay still
- Feeling irritable and agitated
- Feeling afraid, or thinking that bad things will happen
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty sleeping
Physical symptoms of Antenatal Anxiety:
- Racing heartbeat and rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Tension, pain or trembling in your muscles
- A numb or tingling feeling in your limbs, fingers, toes or lips
When these symptoms come on quickly and intensely, you may be experiencing a panic attack. People with anxiety experience the same symptoms and panic attacks regardless of whether they are pregnant or not. If you have antenatal anxiety, you may feel very anxious about your baby's welfare, and seek frequent reassurance that they are healthy and developing normally.
Who is this Quiz for?
Even if you experience only mild symptoms of anxiety during your pregnancy, it is important to inform your doctor. They can recommend the best methods for you to manage those symptoms, and can then monitor you throughout your pregnancy for signs of worsening anxiety. If your anxiety is affecting your daily life or if you’re having frequent panic attacks, you should call your doctor right away.
Is this Quiz Accurate?
This is NOT a professional psychiatric diagnosis. This is only a self-assessment quiz to help people figure out whether they need to speak with a professional or consult a psychiatrist. Our licensed mental health professionals can help you determine the next best steps for you.
