Understanding Maternal Anxiety
Anxiety Surrounding Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Motherhood
Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety
Dr. Sandra offers individual therapy for maternal and postpartum anxiety. She treats anxiety and OCD symptoms during the process of trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, and in motherhood. Dr. Sandra uses an integrative approach. She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques (CBT, ACT, Self-Compassion) alongside compassion and common humanity as a mother herself.
Postpartum Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety during the process of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum can be broken down into categories of cognitive, physiological/emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Cognitive symptoms may include worry, preoccupation with thoughts related to getting pregnant/pregnancy/or baby, intrusive thoughts and/or rumination. These anxious thoughts may feel difficult or impossible to stop or control. Physiological symptoms can include chest pressure/tightness, heart racing, GI symptoms/distress, hot flashes, shakiness, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, muscle tension and/or tension headaches. Emotional symptoms may include feeling fearful, nervous, irritable/agitated and/or unsettled. The most common behavioral symptom of anxiety avoidance. For example, avoiding bringing baby anywhere due to fear of illness. Other behavioral symptoms may include checking (i.e., excessively checking baby’s breathing or temperature, excessive tracking of ovulation/fertility markers), reassurance seeking from loved ones, and/or excessive researching online. Anxiety during fertility treatments, pregnancy, and postpartum can be prompted by biological/hormonal changes and the major life transition of starting or adding to one’s family. Blood cortisol levels can increase two to four times during pregnancy - cortisol is a stress hormone! The immediate period following birth is also the biggest and most rapid hormone shift in humans. Additionally, significant life transitions are also known to cause increases in anxiety symptoms. There are not many more significant life changes/transitions than becoming a parent. It makes sense that this is a common time for anxiety disorders to present or reoccur.
Treatment for Postpartum Anxiety
Treatment is tailored to each individual. Research supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for the treatment of postpartum anxiety.. If OCD symptoms are present, evidence suggests Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as the gold standard treatment. Dr. Sandra assesses each individual, their symptoms, history, and goals for treatment and subsequently tailors the treatment plan. For anxiety surrounding trying to conceive and pregnancy, Dr. Sandra often incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), in addition to CBT. This approach places a strong emphasis on core values and acceptance of discomfort as an inevitable part of living the life we want. Additionally, this approach is often powerful when mothers are experiencing anxiety related to parenting children of any age.
Book a Free Consultation Call
Dr. Sandra offers treatment for anxiety surrounding trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and many other states. Book a free consultation call to take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Conshohocken, PA, Main Line Suburbs, and virtually across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and several other states
