Anxiety During Pregnancy: When Third Trimester Worry Becomes Something More
Once upon a time, a pregnant mom felt unsettled during her pregnancy.
She had always wanted to become a mother, but she knew that her body would change and there would be some level of risk involved.
At around 30 weeks pregnant, she started feeling less like herself. She was filled with joy and excitement, but she also experienced a lot of pain, soreness, sleeplessness, and persistent nervous anticipation.
When Pregnancy Doesn't Match Your Expectations
She had imagined her last trimester to be filled with baby movements, nursery planning, intimacy, emotional support from her partner, long walks, and endless joy, but that wasn't happening.
Her partner wasn't emotionally available, and she felt like she was taking care of everything on her own. She was already starting to feel overwhelmed with her mother-in-law's involvement.
Not knowing what to do, she wondered: Is my anxiety enough to seek professional support? She didn't know for sure, but she didn't want to ignore her gut feeling.
Taking Action: One Mom's Story
This is a story that I often hear (after months of suffering).
But this first-time mom took action and sought various supports, including perinatal mental health screenings, The Fourth Trimester Prep program, and had a few 1:1 creative therapy sessions with me, Kayla.
Unfortunately, most expectant mothers feel pressured to only express happiness and excitement about their pregnancy, leaving little room to talk about their genuine feelings and experiences.
Through these experiences, she started feeling capable, setting boundaries, improving communication, and gaining confidence in transitioning into the next phase with less anxiety.
However, some moms experience increased anxiety, stress, strange thoughts, and crippling exhaustion.
Perinatal Mood Disorders: The Facts Every Pregnant Mom Should Know
Here are some quick facts about perinatal distress:
1 in 7 women will experience a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) during pregnancy.
Women with a history of depression are 35% more likely to experience Postpartum Depression (PPD).
Women who experience depression during pregnancy are 50% more likely to experience depression postpartum.
PPD can start minutes after delivery, with the highest risk being in the first 5 months.
1 in 4 women will experience a PMAD at some point within the first year.
Risk Factors for Prenatal Depression and Anxiety
There are several risk factors for developing a PMAD during pregnancy and postpartum:
Mental Health History:
Personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or self-harm
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
Perfectionist tendencies and high self-expectations
Relationship and Support Factors:
Marital stressors such as communication issues and low emotional support
Complicated relationship with or absence/loss of the pregnant woman's own birth mother
Inadequate or insufficient support in caring for oneself or the baby
Pregnancy and Birth Factors:
Unplanned or unexpected pregnancy
Complications or high risks in pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
Miscarriage and/or infertility treatments
Pregnant with multiples
Traumatic birth experience
Having a baby who spent time in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Life Stressors:
Major life transitions like moving or job changes/loss
Recent personal loss or grief
Financial stressors
Get Your Free Pregnancy Checklist
Download my free pregnancy checklist - the list your OB forgot to give you. This comprehensive guide covers the emotional and mental health preparations that often get overlooked in standard prenatal care.
This checklist will help you:
Identify early warning signs of prenatal mood disorders
Prepare for your postpartum mental health
Know exactly what support to put in place before baby arrives
Feel more confident and less anxious about the transition to motherhood
Share Your Story
Have you experienced unexpected anxiety or depression during pregnancy? Share your experiences in the comments section below. Your story might help another mom feel less alone.
