New research shows anxiety around the arrival of a baby is as common as postnatal depression, and men face nearly comparable risks to women.
Mental health researcher Dr Liana Leach led a review of 43 studies examining anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period and found that anxiety both before and after childbirth is about as widespread as postnatal depression. The review indicates roughly one in ten new fathers experience clinically significant anxiety around the time their child is born — about half the rate reported for women.
“Men can feel left out of the process, because pregnancy and childbirth are so integrally linked to the mother,” Dr Leach said. “It can compound the problem. They don’t seek help, because they think ‘it’s not so much about me’.”
Although individual studies vary, some report that over 20 percent of parents experience anxiety or depression in the perinatal period. The causes of perinatal anxiety and depression are not yet fully understood, but the new review highlights the need to treat anxiety symptoms with the same urgency and awareness as postnatal depression for both mothers and fathers.
The findings, accepted for publication in the Journal of Affective Disorders, reinforce the goals of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week and underline the importance of perinatal mental health screening and early intervention. Dr Leach emphasizes that feeling nervous or overwhelmed when expecting a baby is common, but anxiety becomes concerning when it persists, worsens, or interferes with everyday functioning.
Common symptoms of perinatal anxiety can include persistent worrying, a constant sense of being on edge, increased irritability, and fears about the baby’s safety. These psychological symptoms are often accompanied by physical signs such as a racing heart, sweating, disturbed sleep, and changes in appetite. When these symptoms start to impair daily routines, relationships, or parenting, professional support should be sought.
Risk factors linked to higher rates of perinatal anxiety and depression include limited social support—especially lack of partner support—financial stress, and a prior history of mental health problems. For new fathers, social expectations and a perception that the focus should be solely on the mother and infant can discourage help-seeking, which may prolong or worsen symptoms.
Health professionals encourage couples to consider mental health from the moment pregnancy is confirmed. Early recognition and treatment of anxiety reduce both the severity and the duration of symptoms and improve outcomes for the entire family. Primary care providers, such as general practitioners, are a good first point of contact for parents experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms. GPs can provide assessment, recommend appropriate psychological support, and discuss treatment options, which may include evidence-based therapies and, when clinically indicated, medication.
Perinatal care that addresses the whole family is critical. Screening for anxiety and depression should include both parents, and health services should offer accessible routes to support, including counseling, peer support groups, and practical resources to reduce isolation and stress. Practical steps families can take include building a support network, sharing caregiving responsibilities, maintaining open communication between partners, and seeking financial or community resources when needed.
Dr Leach’s review calls for greater awareness among clinicians, policy makers, and community services so that perinatal mental health programs reflect the needs of both mothers and fathers. Better screening protocols, routine follow-up during pregnancy and after birth, and clearer pathways to treatment would help identify those at risk and link them to timely care.
If you or your partner notice ongoing anxiety symptoms, contact your GP or a trusted health professional. Early support helps protect parental wellbeing and supports healthy attachment and development for the newborn. Where possible, involve partners and family members in discussions about care so that support can be provided across the household.
Addressing perinatal anxiety and depression is a public health priority: recognizing symptoms early, reducing stigma, and ensuring that both mothers and fathers have access to effective care will improve outcomes for parents and children alike.
Source: Australian National University
Image Credit: The image is in the public domain
Original Research: The study will appear in Journal of Affective Disorders.