Pregnancy-related anxiety is real, and these researchers are trying to help

For many people, having a baby can be time of worry, filled with unexpected surprises at every turn. But for some women, these worries become so huge they’re unable to live life as they normally would.

While there is currently no formal screening process for pregnancy-related anxiety, research is now being done to change this in order to raise awareness and properly help those in need.

Pregnancy-related anxiety is real

Dr Robyn Brunton, from the School of Psychology at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, has been researching pregnancy-related anxiety over the past nine years. Having interviewed more than 9000 women in the process, she says that the condition is characterised by fears and worries unique to being pregnant and becoming a mum.

“What really encourages me in this research is that usually when we have a fear (anxiety is fear-based) we avoid it to lessen those anxious feelings; for example, if you get anxious about flying, you tend to drive,” Dr Brunton commented on the Charles Sturt University website. “However, for many pregnant women if they have fears and worries, such as about childbirth, they can’t avoid them.”

What the research shows

The research reveals that pregnancy-related anxiety is different to general anxiety, with women concerned about specific aspects of having a baby, such as the health of their child, becoming a mother, body image, accepting the pregnancy and actually going though childbirth. According to Dr Brunton, women who are having their first baby, women who are older or women who have a history of child abuse are all more likely to experience pregnancy-related anxiety.

What is the aim?

The aim of the study is to not only better identify the condition and explain to women what is going on, but also to help those who are likely to suffer from it. According to Dr Brunton, many clinical and research anxiety scales do not adequately screen for pregnancy-related anxiety. There is also no formal screening for it in most countries such as Australia, USA and the UK.

However, she and her team have developed a scale to assess pregnancy-related anxiety. They now need to look at the effectiveness of this in clinical settings and compare it against other methods, as well as do more research on interventions. “There is no point identifying women with pregnancy-related anxiety if we can’t help them,” said Dr Brunton.

Not only will this research offer much-needed help to mothers suffering from this type of anxiety, but it will also help the future wellbeing of the child. “I am also motivated by the fact that the woman’s body is the baby’s environment, so whatever happens to the mother (or is happening) can impact the child who is most vulnerable,” says Dr Brunton.

Reach out for help

In the meantime, Dr Brunton says that if any women are concerned that they are experiencing pregnancy-related anxiety, they should make an appointment to see their doctor or healthcare professional.

Women are also encouraged to reach out to organisations such as PANDA and Gidget Foundation Australia.

Get more info: Mental health services and support for expecting parents