When we think of anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum period, 😟 excessive worry often comes to mind. But anxiety doesn't always shout — sometimes it whispers through the body. Many women experience physical symptoms that are often dismissed or chalked up to "just part of motherhood." 🍼

📚 Research shows that when these signs go unrecognized, it can delay treatment and worsen the experience for new and expectant moms.

💡 What Perinatal Anxiety Really Looks Like

Here are some of the most common physical symptoms reported by women later diagnosed with perinatal anxiety:

🍽️ Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Persistent nausea not explained by morning sickness 🤢
Digestive issues beyond the usual pregnancy changes
Appetite changes not tied to cravings or aversions
Feeling of a "knot" in the stomach 😣

❤️ Cardiovascular Symptoms

Heart racing or pounding 💓
Chest tightness or pain
Shortness of breath even at rest 🌬️
Hot flashes or unexplained chills 🌡️❄️

🧠 Neurological Symptoms

Dizziness or feeling lightheaded 😵‍💫
Numbness or tingling in hands/feet
Frequent headaches or migraines 🤯
"Brain fog" or trouble concentrating

💪 Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
Unexplained aches and pains
Restlessness or inability to sit still 🐜

😴 Sleep Disturbances

Difficulty falling asleep despite exhaustion
Waking in the night and struggling to fall back asleep 🌙
Restless, unrefreshing sleep 💤

💥 Other Common Signs

Panic attacks 😱
Intrusive thoughts you can’t control 🤯

❓ Why These Symptoms Go Unrecognized

🤰 Normal Overlap: Many of these symptoms mimic typical pregnancy or postpartum experiences.
👶 Baby-Centered Care: Moms often feel they need to "power through" for the baby's sake.
🩺 Lack of Provider Training: Many OBs and pediatricians aren't trained to connect physical symptoms to anxiety.
🤫 Mental Health Stigma: It's often easier to say "my stomach hurts" than "I'm anxious."

Anxiety often speaks through the body,” explains Dr. Jana Rundle. “Many women leave their doctor with antacids, when what they really need is mental health support.

Effective Treatment Approaches

The good news is that perinatal anxiety responds well to treatment. Evidence-based approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and its physical manifestations .
Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teach present-moment awareness and techniques to reduce physiological stress responses .
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting difficult sensations while pursuing valued life activities .
Body-Oriented Approaches: Address the physical symptoms directly through techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing .

When necessary, collaboration with healthcare providers on medication options that are compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding is also beneficial.

💬 What You Can Do

If you're experiencing persistent physical symptoms that don’t have a medical explanation — trust your gut. 🧠💬 Let your provider know everything: the aches, the worries, the racing thoughts. You deserve full support.

🌼 Support Is Available

At Bloom Psychology, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care for new and expecting moms. If this sounds like something you're going through, you're not alone — and help is here. 💕

🧡 Want more support? Check out our Anxiety Management Course, where we dive deep into tools, strategies, and community care for moms navigating anxiety, stress, and identity changes.