Pregnant women who struggle with a pregnancy complication that poses a real risk of harm to the fetus are at significant risk of anxiety. Often, this anxiety can continue or even get worse after delivery, even if both the baby and mother are otherwise healthy.
This is unfortunately the reality of parents with a pregnancy complicated by conditions like fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). While your OB-GYN would have likely assured you that they will do everything they can to minimize complications, you are also made to understand that the risk is always present. After birth, the child would likely need to be admitted into the intensive care unit for close observation and treatment before being discharged home.
If your child was born and the anxiety of pregnancy and birth complications are behind you, you may expect to be able to breathe a sigh of relief. But many women may continue to feel like something isn’t right or experience symptoms like heart palpitations, sweaty palms and a feeling of overwhelming anxiety. Even if you know the risk to your infant is behind you, your brain and your body may still feel as if they are on high alert.
Knowing when to ask for help
If you’re struggling with these symptoms, you’re likely experiencing some form of postpartum anxiety, which is more common than many may think. In mild forms of the condition, women get more anxious about their baby’s health or that something bad is going to happen. In severe cases, anxiety may cripple the mother’s ability to sleep, which is already usually affected by the newborn’s care schedule. Significant anxiety can also give rise to physical symptoms such as shaky hands, dizziness and panic attacks.
Regardless of where you might fall in the spectrum, it is always a good idea to seek help. Talk to your doctor about your feelings. Let your doctor know if these symptoms of anxiety have just appeared or whether you had similar struggles in the past. Your doctor will be able to refer you to psychiatric services to ensure that you’re receiving the help you need.
Read more about FNAIT testing and diagnosis
Most importantly, try not to suffer in silence. Women who struggle with postpartum anxiety may feel that no one will be able to understand them. This just isn’t true; mood disorders occurring shortly after birth have been documented throughout history. Reaching out, even if it’s to family or friends, can make a world of difference.
Healing in your own time
The most important thing for you to do now is to focus on your health and well-being. Give yourself all the time you need to heal. Don’t feel compelled to fit into someone else’s narrative or timeline. Know that postpartum anxiety is temporary, and with time, you will be able to focus on what’s most important: bonding with your newborn.
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