Pregnancy-Related Anxiety & Depression
1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men may experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period.
You don’t have to wait until after the baby arrives.
Pregnancy is supposed to feel exciting. So when it comes with constant worry, dread, or a low mood that won't lift, it can be hard to admit, even to yourself. Maybe you're replaying worst case scenarios about the baby's health, feeling flat or disconnected instead of "glowing," or carrying guilt for not feeling the way you think you should. These experiences are more common than people talk about. Therapy can help you feel more grounded and present during this chapter, instead of white-knuckling your way through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is perinatal anxiety?
Perinatal anxiety refers to excessive worry, fear, or physical tension that shows up during pregnancy. It can look like constant "what if" thinking, difficulty relaxing, restlessness, or a sense of dread that doesn't match what's actually happening. It's one of the most common, and most under-discussed, experiences of pregnancy.
What is perinatal depression?
Perinatal depression is depression that occurs during pregnancy (sometimes called antenatal or prenatal depression). It can look like persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you'd normally enjoy, fatigue beyond typical pregnancy tiredness, irritability, or difficulty bonding with the pregnancy. It doesn't mean you don't want your baby, it means your brain and body need support.
Is it normal to feel anxious during pregnancy?
Some worry is a normal part of pregnancy. Your brain is wired to protect this new life. But when anxiety becomes constant, physically exhausting, or gets in the way of daily life, it's worth talking to someone. There's a difference between everyday nerves and anxiety that deserves support, and you don't have to figure out which one you're experiencing on your own.
Could this just be hormones?
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy are real and can absolutely affect mood, but "it's just hormones" shouldn't be the end of the conversation. Hormones can intensify anxiety and depression, but that doesn't make what you're feeling any less valid or any less worth treating.
Can therapy really help during pregnancy, or should I wait until after birth?
Therapy during pregnancy is safe, effective, and often makes a real difference. Getting support during pregnancy can also lower the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression. You don't need to wait for things to get worse, and you don't need to wait until after delivery to start feeling better.