Prenatal, Postnatal, Perinatal, and Infertility Anxiety

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Prenatal, Postnatal and Perinatal Anxiety

Starting a family is a milestone in many people's lives. It can also be a stressful time and it is normal for pregnancy to be a very emotional experience.?

Noticing when emotions start to become overwhelming is important in terms of looking after yourself, and if necessary seeking the right support. Overwhelming emotions that begin to negatively interfere with your day-to-day functioning is a sign that some level of support is needed.

Many parents at any stage throughout their pregnancy journey will want to navigate it instinctively in the best interests of their child; however, also looking after ones self throughout the journey is a key part of the pregnancy journey.

You will be a huge support to your new baby when have the right support in place for yourself.

Lots of people are aware of the term "postnatal depression" which can occur after having a baby; however, it is less common to hear about the anxiety which is faced throughout the whole pregnancy journey.

It is common to experience depression and anxiety together and these feelings do not always appear after having a baby- they can appear during the pregnancy itself.

Here are some terms which focus on Anxiety at different stages throughout pregnancy:

·??????Prenatal or Antenatal Anxiety?– while you are Pregnant

·??????Postnatal Anxiety?– During roughly the first year after Giving Birth

·??????Perinatal Anxiety?– Any time from becoming Pregnant to around a year after Giving Birth

Mind & Anxiety UK has produced information and resources which focus on the various support options that are available. Support can include talking therapies, self-help resources, and medication.

There are medications that can help manage anxiety; however, there can be concerns about taking medication whilst pregnant.

You can talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about any concerns you may have about taking medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This resource can help and provide guidance in talking to a your GP:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/talking-to-your-gp/

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Additional Resources

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/perinatal-anxiety/

Perinatal anxiety - Mind

Perinatal Anxiety - Anxiety UK

Perinatal Anxiety Fact Sheet (instant download) - Anxiety UK

Anxiety and panic attacks in pregnancy | Tommy's (tommys.org)

Infertility Anxiety:

?Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving, this can be an extremely distressing time for many couples who are wanting a child.

Many couples conceive relatively quickly, for other couples it can take longer or not happen at all.

Infertility is often only diagnosed after a couple has been trying for a baby over a 12-month period – However, it is advisable to arrange a visit to your GP if you haven’t conceived within a year. This visit can be the start of helping to identify fertility problems and discuss the treatment options that could be available and could help.??

Any couple who has tried to conceive a child without success would I am sure have their own very personal story to tell about their journey of infertility.

Recognising that anxiety can play a huge role in the infertility journey, whether that be:

• A couple continues without any medical interventions in the hope that they will naturally conceive one day.
• A couple who changes their diet and lifestyle, routinely monitors basal body temperatures and has intercourse at what is said to be exactly the right time.
• ?A couple who decides to embark on IVF and experience failed cycle attempts despite doing everything they were told to do correctly.

The above situations can become exhausting, orchestrating life around the want for a child and then dealing with the reality that perhaps it isn’t going to happen and then working towards healing and finding acceptance.

Emotional support through these times is important. Support allows someone else to help us so we do not struggle alone. Support can be used alongside the time you need personally for yourself.

Feeling worried, upset and overwhelmed with the whole fertility/infertility process are all very normal responses; however, it is important to recognise when these feelings are constant/ongoing and impacting or debilitating your day-to-day routines, it is here that seeking out some support is an advisable step.

Support Resources

British Infertility Counselling Association

www.bica.net

BICA is the only professional counselling association for infertility counsellors and counselling in the UK seeking to promote the highest standards of counselling for those considering or undergoing fertility investigations and treatment.

Fertility Network:

01424 732361

www.fertilitynetworkuk.org

Free and impartial support, advice, information and understanding for anyone affected by fertility issues.

www.fertilityfriends.co.uk

Infertility and fertility support - leading infertility community in the UK with members at every stage of their journey. Infertility, adoption, parenting, after infertility and moving on.

Written by Claire Wassall, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Cavity Dental Staff