Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Also known as the postpartum period, the time following childbirth is a significant change and transformation for new mothers.
  • While it is often considered to be a time of joy and happiness, many mothers go through a range of emotions, frequently involving severe anxiety.
  • Postpartum anxiety is a very common yet overlooked issue that can severely impair a mother and newborn’s well-being.
Reading time: 14 min

Also known as the postpartum period, the time following childbirth is a significant change and transformation for new mothers. While it is often considered to be a time of joy and happiness, many mothers go through a range of emotions, frequently involving severe anxiety.

Postpartum anxiety is a very common yet overlooked issue that can severely impair a mother and newborn’s well-being. Understanding the condition, its potential causes and triggers, and the available management options as early as possible is crucial for the safety of all new mothers and their children.

Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs shortly after childbirth. In contrast to postpartum depression, a more commonly known mental health issue in new mothers, postpartum anxiety involves excessive fear and worry. [1]

Feeling a certain level of anxiety is normal for new mothers, especially in terms of adapting to their new role. Postpartum anxiety occurs when this occasional fear and worry become more severe, overwhelming, and persistent, interfering with everyday functions.

As per the latest postpartum anxiety statistics, the condition reportedly affects 10 to 20 percent of new mothers. However, many studies suggest that the actual prevalence is much higher and not accurately known due to problems like underreporting and misdiagnoses.

Identifying postpartum anxiety and addressing the symptoms can prevent new mothers from developing chronic mental health issues while improving the bonding with their children.

Experts have singled out various factors that may potentially lead to postpartum anxiety. [2] These factors include the following:

Biological Factors

These include:

  • Genetic Risk: Having a family history of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, can automatically make a mother more prone to acquiring postpartum anxiety. Genetics may also predispose a woman to experience elevated anxiety levels as a response to stress.
  • Hormonal Changes: Childbirth can lead to various hormonal fluctuations, especially in terms of progesterone and estrogen levels, which may contribute to postpartum anxiety. These hormones are involved in mood regulation and their declining levels may trigger anxiety.
  • Thyroid Malfunction: Some women may develop postpartum thyroiditis, a condition that causes the thyroid gland to inflame and alter its working. This impaired function may lead to an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, both of which contribute to mood disturbances.

Psychological Factors

These include:

  • Perfectionist Tendencies: New mothers with unrealistic expectations or perfectionistic tendencies regarding motherhood may become more anxious. The constant pressure to be the best mother can put them under stress, ultimately leading to postpartum anxiety.
  • Traumatic Birth Experience: Mothers who went through a traumatic or difficult childbirth are more likely to develop postpartum anxiety. This anxiety stems from the helplessness and fear they experience during childbirth.
  • History of Mental Health Issues: Women with a previous history of anxiety, depression, or mental health issues are at a higher risk of acquiring postpartum anxiety. These pre-existing issues can also make the transition into motherhood more difficult.

Environmental & Social Factors

These include:

  • Relationship Strain: Childbirth can significantly change the relationship dynamics, often putting the new mother under a lot of stress. A lack of emotional support from a partner or frequent conflicts can push her into postpartum anxiety.
  • No Social Support: Getting social support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals is crucial for new mothers. Lacking this support can increase feelings of isolation, leading to postpartum anxiety.
  • Financial Stress: The financial burden linked with raising a child can provoke anxiety in a new mother who is already overwhelmed.

Postpartum anxiety may manifest in different ways with varying levels of symptom severity. Some common symptoms of this issue include the following:

  • Excessive Worry: Postpartum anxiety may force new mothers to experience irrational, persistent worries about themselves or the baby’s health, development, and safety. These worries may often become uncontrollable and start dominating a mother’s thought process.
  • Sleep Issues: Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep is another symptom of postpartum anxiety. Those who manage to get sleep may experience intrusive thoughts or dreams that reduce the overall sleep quality.
  • Agitation and Restlessness: Postpartum anxiety may make new mothers feel like they are constantly on the edge and restless. These symptoms make it difficult for them to relax, even when the baby sleeps.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Anxious mothers often tend to avoid certain activities or situations due to the fear that something bad may happen. For instance, they may refuse to leave the house or go for a drive, thinking that it may harm the baby or themselves.
  • Physical Symptoms: Postpartum anxiety may also present in the form of various physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle tension, and nausea.
  • Panic Attacks: Postpartum panic attacks may bring on a sudden sense of intense fear in addition to symptoms like sweating, chest pain, and trembling.
  • Poor Concentration: A mother fighting postpartum anxiety may find it difficult to focus on tasks, remember things, or make decisions. The underlying anxiety may impair their cognitive functions, making daily activities more challenging

Diagnosis of postpartum anxiety is typically achieved through a thorough evaluation led by a trained healthcare professional. This evaluation often involves a detailed history, a psychological assessment, and a physical exam. The purpose of this diagnostic evaluation is not only to confirm the underlying postpartum anxiety but also to exclude other similar problems, such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and postpartum depression.

Ruling Out Postpartum Depression

The dominating symptoms of postpartum depression include hopelessness, a lack of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies, and severe sadness. While anxiety often presents as a component of postpartum depression, it can also exist as postpartum anxiety, especially when a mother develops persistent and excessive worry.

Ruling Out Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and stress about various life aspects. Note that these symptoms are not necessarily associated with the postpartum period. postpartum anxiety, on the other hand, includes stress specifically linked to concerns about a mother’s new role and concerns about the baby.

Learning to diagnose postpartum anxiety while ruling out other overlapping conditions is imperative to choose the right treatment option.

Postpartum symptoms can affect both the mother and the child. The impacts may vary depending on how severe the symptoms are and individual tolerance to anxiety.

Mother’s Wellbeing

Postpartum anxiety can significantly impair the quality of life for a mother. The constant stress and worry can exhaust a mother, making it challenging for her to look after the baby and perform everyday tasks. Untreated anxiety also makes mothers more vulnerable to developing chronic anxiety and depressive disorders which further impair their function.

Child’s Wellbeing

Children born to mothers with untreated postpartum anxiety are at a higher risk of acquiring behavioral issues and developmental delays. Maternal anxiety can also negatively impact a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. Hence, it is essential to seek postpartum anxiety treatment and promote a healthy environment free from anxiety for optimal growth.

Mother-Child Bonding

Postpartum anxiety is known to interfere with the bonding process between a mother and her child. The constant fear and anxiety due to this condition can keep a mother from engaging in positive interactions with their children. The consequent lack of bonding can interfere with a child’s social and emotional development.

Following are some important treatment options to explore when it comes to managing postpartum anxiety.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the most important aspects of treating postpartum anxiety. [3] According to experts, the following therapies can be of help:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Also known as CBT, this therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including postpartum anxiety. The therapy focuses on the identification and replacement of negative thought patterns that otherwise fuel anxiety. It also equips new mothers with healthy coping strategies to break the cycle of worry.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This therapy includes deep breathing exercises and meditation that promote relaxation and awareness levels in the present moment. It is often available as a part of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs to help mothers cope with anxiety.
  • Interpersonal Therapy: This therapy aims to improve social functioning and interpersonal relationships, especially in new mothers with underlying postpartum anxiety.

Medication

Many experts add the following medications as an adjunct to ongoing therapy to improve postpartum anxiety treatment outcomes [4]:

  • Anxiolytics: Many anxiolytics can be used for a short time to relieve severe anxiety symptoms, such as benzodiazepines. However, caution is advised as these medications come with a high risk of dependence and can potentially impact the baby.
  • Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are commonly used to manage postpartum anxiety. These medications help regulate mood while reducing anxiety symptoms. These medications are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers.
  • Hormone Therapy: In severe postpartum anxiety due to hormonal imbalances, experts may recommend hormone therapy to support the lack of chemicals. This therapy can have significant side effects; hence, it must only be sought after consulting a healthcare provider regarding the possible advantages and disadvantages.

Supportive Tips

In addition to therapy and medications, the following tips can also contribute to managing postpartum anxiety.

  • Social Support: Having a strong network of support including healthcare providers, friends, and family members can significantly help a mother struggling with postpartum anxiety. Those with no loved one can join local support groups to feel a sense of community. Family members and partners play a key role in providing practical support and emotional help.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Experts recommend new mothers focus on adopting healthy lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and cutting back on anxiety. Stress management techniques, such as relaxation and yoga, can also benefit such mothers by reducing anxiety.
  • Education and Information: Reading more about postpartum anxiety, its causes, and potential management options can empower mothers to seek help and realize that they are not alone. While healthcare providers are the best source to seek more information on the subject, mothers can also do their research from authentic resources.

The following strategies can help mothers-to-be reduce their risk of acquiring postnatal anxiety and depression [5]

Prenatal Education and Awareness

Educating mothers-to-be regarding the risk of postpartum anxiety and its symptoms can equip them with skills to recognize and manage the issue early. Prenatal classes are also available to address their mental health issues and improve stress management. Healthcare providers must counsel expectant mothers about the range of emotions they are likely to experience following childbirth and the importance of seeking help.

Screening & Early Intervention

Routine screening for anxiety should be available during prenatal and postpartum durations to identify at-risk women. Timely recognition supports early intervention and support to prevent the progression of anxiety symptoms. Additionally, healthcare providers have access to screening tools to assess anxiety levels regularly and intervene if risks are present.

Family and Partner Involvement

Involving family members in the support and education process can improve the support network available to new mothers. Encouraging open communication within a household regarding mental health can decrease stigma while giving mothers enough strength to ask for help when needed. Partners must also educate themselves about the common postpartum anxiety symptoms so they can support their partners in need. [6]

Despite rapidly advancing medical care for new mothers and children, postpartum anxiety remains a significantly under-investigated topic. The following future aspects need to be explored to improve its management.

Improving Access to Care

Efforts to expand access to postpartum anxiety help for women are crucial to control the issue and stop its global spread. Using online support groups and telehealth services can be particularly useful for women who may find it difficult to seek in-person care.

Improving Diagnostic and Screening Tools

The development and implementation of standardized screening tools can significantly help healthcare workers identify vulnerable women. This timely recognition also favors the incorporation of early intervention strategies to improve the overall clinical outcomes for mothers.

Promoting Awareness & Addressing Stigma

Educational programs and public awareness campaigns can decrease the stigma around postpartum anxiety. Understanding and accepting the existence of mental health issues, such as postpartum anxiety, can support women to seek help in need. Moreover, healthcare professionals must also seek mandatory training regarding the importance of mental health in the postpartum duration and how to identify and treat potential issues.

Postpartum anxiety is an impactful issue that can significantly affect new mothers’ mental health and ability to look after their newborns. Understanding the condition, its potential causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies is essential for new mothers, healthcare providers, and support networks to collaborate and work toward improvement. With appropriate treatment and support, women with postpartum panic attacks can not only recover but thrive as a person and mother. In the long run, reducing the stigma surrounding this issue while improving access to mental health care are some essential steps for overall betterment

  1. Nakić Radoš S, Tadinac M, Herman R. Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Course, Predictors and Comorbidity with Postpartum Depression. Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Mar;57(1):39-51. doi: 10.20471/acc.2017.56.04.05. PMID: 30256010; PMCID: PMC6400346.
  2. van der Zee-van den Berg AI, Boere-Boonekamp MM, Groothuis-Oudshoorn CGM, Reijneveld SA. Postpartum depression and anxiety: a community-based study on risk factors before, during and after pregnancy. J Affect Disord. 2021 May 1;286:158-165. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.062. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33725615.
  3. Li, Caixia BN; Sun, Xiaohua BN; Li, Qing BN; Sun, Qian BN; Wu, Beibei BN; Duan, Dongyun BN∗. Role of psychotherapy on antenatal depression, anxiety, and maternal quality of life: A meta-analysis. Medicine 99(27):p e20947, July 02, 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000020947
  4. Frieder A, Fersh M, Hainline R, Deligiannidis KM. Pharmacotherapy of Postpartum Depression: Current Approaches and Novel Drug Development. CNS Drugs. 2019 Mar;33(3):265-282. doi: 10.1007/s40263-019-00605-7. PMID: 30790145; PMCID: PMC6424603.
  5. Mousavi F, Shojaei P. Postpartum Depression and Quality of Life: A Path Analysis. Yale J Biol Med. 2021 Mar 31;94(1):85-94. PMID: 33795985; PMCID: PMC7995937.
  6. Ruan JM, Wu LJ. Postpartum depression and partner support during the period of lactation: Correlation research and its influencing factors. World J Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 19;14(1):119-127. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i1.119. PMID: 38327897; PMCID: PMC10845228.

FAQs

Is postpartum anxiety the same as postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression includes feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and a loss of interest in everyday activities following childbirth. Postpartum anxiety, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by fear and worry. Both conditions often overlap with many women experiencing them simultaneously.
Can postpartum anxiety put the newborn at risk?
Untreated postpartum anxiety can negatively affect the baby by interrupting the mother-infant bonding. When this bonding is affected, it can interfere with the baby’s social and emotional development. Children of mothers with underlying anxiety are also at a higher risk of acquiring behavioral issues and developmental delays.
How do experts diagnose postpartum anxiety?
Most experts use a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose postpartum anxiety. This evaluation includes a detailed medical history, followed by a psychological assessment and physical exam. It is imperative to differentiate postpartum anxiety from other similar mental health issues, like generalized anxiety disorder and postpartum depression.
When does postpartum anxiety start?
Most experts believe that postpartum anxiety can start any time from delivery up to six weeks. However, some women may develop it at any time until their baby’s first birthday. Events like the return of menstruation and breastfeeding transitions often serve as risk factors.
Can fathers suffer from postpartum anxiety?
Fathers are also at risk of postpartum anxiety; however, the phenomenon is lesser known and not commonly discussed. The adjustment to new parenthood and the consequent stress can affect both parents. Vulnerable fathers must seek support and talk to a healthcare provider before their issue becomes serious.

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