Break Free from Maternal Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide for Pregnancy, Birth and the First Postnatal Year

"The time of pregnancy and after having a baby can be very positive and exciting, but we know that it can also be challenging in lots of ways and mental health difficulties are common during pregnancy and postnatally. Contrary to popular belief, the most prevalent problem is anxiety rather than depression. In fact, about 15% of women will experience a significant anxiety problem at some point during pregnancy or the first postnatal year 1. The high prevalence of anxiety during this time makes a lot of sense. The journey to, through and beyond pregnancy is paved with new experiences, uncertainty and unpredictability, all of which can generate or amplify feelings of anxiety. On top of this the stakes can feel especially high as you face new responsibilities of growing, birthing and caring for baby. The general stress of sleep deprivation and physical, emotional and financial changes all play a role. Some women will adjust well to these new conditions, but for many others this process does not occur so readily. Anxiety is a normal emotion that is triggered in all of us from time to time, but an anxiety problem is said to occur when anxiety is excessive, persistent and interferes with aspects of your life"--