Natural Anxiety Medications While Pregnant: What can I take for Anxiety during Pregnancy?

Natural anxiety medications while pregnant are the best solution for women but are not something that you can pick up at the local grocery store. However, this does not mean that they cannot be used during pregnancy.

Pregnant women often struggle with anxiety due to the changes happening in their bodies and minds. They may feel like they have nowhere to turn, or they may fear that using medication in any form will have a negative impact on their child.

However, these fears are typically unfounded. If you’re struggling with anxiety while pregnant, you may find natural remedies helpful in managing your symptoms without putting your child at risk.

Natural remedies for anxiety during pregnancy include meditation, yoga, and other activities that help reduce stress and keep cortisol levels low. Natural supplements for anxiety can also be helpful and are safer than many people think:

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What Are Natural Anxiety Medications for Pregnant Women?

Natural Anxiety Medications While Pregnant

If you are suffering from anxiety while pregnant, you can consider taking herbal medication such as Kava, Passionflower, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon balm, Valerian, and L-tryptophan with guidance from your doctor. Your doctor may also prescribe Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) since they are effective and considered safe for use while pregnant including Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft). The SSRIs are the first choice medication for anxiety while pregnancy but should be taken when the benefits exceed the side effects.

When you’re pregnant, your life can become a minefield of challenges. From nausea to swollen ankles to feeling like a beached whale, pregnancy often comes with its own set of issues. Anxiety is one of the most common challenges that pregnant women have to face.

Whether it’s from the constant stream of information regarding potential negative outcomes for both mom and baby, or simply a by-product of hormone fluctuations and impending motherhood, many expecting women experience some level of anxiety — and that’s completely normal.

These feelings are perfectly natural and almost every woman experiences them at some point during their pregnancy. However, if your symptoms begin to affect your everyday life, you may want to consider speaking with a medical professional about natural anxiety medications for pregnant women.

What Is Anxiety?

Urgency, panic or fear that is difficult to control, restlessness, and excessive worry are all symptoms of anxiety.

When these feelings come and go, they’re typically not enough to cause any major problems. However, when you’re pregnant and experiencing these feelings for weeks or even months at a time, it can be hard to cope with everyday life.

Many women report feeling restless, having trouble sleeping, and being unable to enjoy themselves during the third trimester. This isn’t unusual as your hormones are in flux and you’re entering the final stages of pregnancy.

It’s also quite common for some women to worry about labor pain, delivery complications, or financial worries while they’re pregnant. If you’ve been feeling anxious during your pregnancy and these feelings have been interfering with your daily life, it may be time to consider natural anxiety medications for pregnant women.

What Causes Anxiety During Pregnancy?

All women experience anxiety while pregnant since there are hormonal changes, fear of miscarriage, fear of financial stress, and sleep difficulties that are common in most pregnant women.

But all of these concerns can be managed with an understanding and supportive partner, family, friends, and medical professionals.

Many pregnant women experience anxiety because of the constant stream of new information they are being bombarded with by doctors, friends, family members, and in-laws. The medical community continues to debate the safety of common practices like eating sushi or drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

There are countless opinions about what’s safe for mom and baby, but it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by all this new information. Another cause may be sleep deprivation.

Even though there is no scientific evidence that lack of sleep causes anxiety during pregnancy, many expecting mothers experience anxiety when they don’t get enough shut-eye. It can leave you feeling tired and achy- both symptoms that mimic the side effects of anxiety disorders.

Severe anxiety while pregnant

In pregnant women, severe anxiety can be a generalized anxiety disorder. The condition is often highest in the first trimester, which is likely due to hormonal changes.

In the first trimester, pregnant women experience high levels of estrogen and progesterone that can disrupt brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Anxiety during pregnancy can also be a symptom of an underlying mental illness that has not been diagnosed before pregnancy.

If you have had a history of anxiety or depression before getting pregnant, it may reappear during pregnancy as well. If this happens, you should consult with your doctor or psychiatrist about medication or therapy options to help manage your symptoms.

Medication is available for pregnant women who are experiencing severe anxiety symptoms and cannot cope without some form of treatment.

Can pregnancy hormones cause anxiety?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect the chemicals in your brain, this can cause anxiety. It’s important to note that anxiety is a natural part of pregnancy and many women experience it.

Nausea, bloating, exhaustion — all symptoms of pregnancy can add up to increased levels of anxiety. Hormones also play a role in this heightened sense of worry.

One study found that pregnant women with higher levels of the hormone cortisol are more prone to experiencing depression and general feelings of anxiety. Some sources claim that there’s no evidence linking hormones to mood changes during pregnancy, but it’s important to note that evidence is inconclusive on this topic.

The bottom line? If you find yourself feeling anxious or depressed for lengthy periods during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about natural anxiety medications for pregnant women.

How Does Anxiety During Pregnancy Affect You?

Most people will experience a little anxiety, worry, or stress while pregnant. However, the anxiety can become chronic and dilapidating in some pregnant women. Anxiety during pregnancy can lead to some serious problems.

It can cause you to become depressed or anxious, which may lead to postpartum depression. Additionally, anxiety can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and other adverse health conditions for both mom and baby.

Anxiety during pregnancy can also result in social isolation and withdrawal from your normal activities — even from your partner — which leaves you feeling more anxious about what others are thinking about you.

The isolation often leads to feelings of guilt for not being able to provide for your family as much as you want. Anxiety during pregnancy can be a serious problem if the anxiety is left untreated.

Natural Anxiety Medications for Pregnant Women

Numerous research studies have proven that valerian, chamomile, and lavender are effective natural anxiety medications for pregnant women. Valerian is an herb often used to help people with sleeping difficulties.

It has been found to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults by as much as 65%. Chamomile is also a popular herb used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Studies show that it can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety when consumed in tea, capsules or extract form.

Lemon balm, passionflower, and kava are also excellent options for calming your nerves when you’re pregnant. All three herbs have been shown to be effective at relieving stress, depression, and easing muscle tension.

Additionally, you can use L-tryptophan supplements for sleep, which have been shown to help reduce feelings of stress and relieve insomnia in many adults without side effects.

Finally, some pregnant women may go for an anxiety bracelet to help calm the anxiety.

Calming Essential Oils For Pregnant Women

Many people believe that essential oils can be calming for pregnant women. One option for a pregnant woman who feels anxious about her pregnancy is to use lavender oil.

Lavender has been used for centuries to calm and soothe the mind and body during times of stress or anxiety.

It’s most well-known for its relaxing scent, but it also has a variety of calming benefits. For example, one study found that a few drops of lavender oil on the pillow before bed led to improvements in sleep quality, reduced anxiety levels, and improved mood. The other option is to try some yoga or meditation exercises if you feel like your anxiety is keeping you from living life as you would like.

You don’t have to be an expert at either exercise in order to reap their benefits. Yoga will leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and more able to manage your anxiety levels; while meditation can help ground you amid all the changes going on in your life at once and help you find peace with motherhood-to-be.

Kava Root

Kava root is an herb that is traditionally used as a medicinal herb to alleviate anxiety. Studies have shown that kava root can be an effective natural remedy for anxiety in pregnant women. Kava root has been used for centuries to help with a variety of ailments, including headaches, insomnia, and even low libido.

In one study, the effectiveness of kava root was compared to Valium and Xanax, both of which are prescription medications commonly prescribed to pregnant women experiencing increased levels of anxiety.

In this particular study, participants were given either a placebo or up to three tablets of kava each day for eight weeks.

Researchers found that those who took the kava developed fewer symptoms of anxiety over time. Additionally, the participant’s health was not affected in any way by taking the kava root tablets while they were pregnant. It’s important to mention that it is still recommended you speak with your doctor before starting any type of herbal remedy or supplement during pregnancy.

Chamomile

One of the most popular natural anxiety medications for pregnant women is chamomile tea. Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat symptoms related to anxiety and stress like insomnia, irritability, and nervousness.

A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chamomile can significantly reduce anxiety. However, it’s important not to drink too much as it may have a sedative effect.

Another option is something called “time out therapy” (also known as “opposite action therapy”).

This is where you do the opposite of what you feel like doing when feeling anxious. So, if you want to scream your head off, then instead you would take deep breaths or go for a walk outside to calm yourself down. You should also go get a massage from a professional masseuse as that releases tension and relaxes the body.

Lavender

Oil Lavender oil is probably the most popular natural anxiety medication for pregnant women. In fact, it’s been used for centuries to ease nerves and purify the mind. This is because lavender oil contains two soothing terpenes: linalool and linalyl acetate.

These compounds have been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and promote relaxation in those who use it. It also helps with insomnia, which can be another symptom of anxiety in pregnant women.

Lavender oil can be inhaled, diffused into the air, or applied topically to help relieve anxiety symptoms while easing tension headaches, depression, restlessness, and nervousness.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and depression. It was first described by a Greek physician over 2,000 years ago, and it’s been a popular treatment for those who suffer from these types of issues ever since.

One of the reasons why St. John’s Wort is so popular is because it doesn’t have any significant side effects in comparison to some other drugs used for similar purposes.

This makes it a good option for many pregnant women as it won’t harm the baby or cause other complications that you might experience with other types of medication (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, etc).

However, there are some cases in which St. John’s Wort can actually cause some complications such as miscarriage or premature birth due to its effect on hormone levels.

For this reason, pregnant women should only take this type of natural anxiety medication when they speak with their doctor before doing so and make sure they understand the risks involved with taking this type of drug while pregnant.

Calming Yoga Breathing Exercises

First of all, make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Your body and mind need time to recover from the long hours and hard work that comes with carrying a growing human inside of you. Secondly, try some calming yoga breathing exercises.

You can find many YouTube videos on the topic or even purchase DVDs or books that contain specific breathing techniques to help calm your mind and body.

Why Are Natural Anxiety Medications Good for You?

According to research, women that take natural anxiety medications during their pregnancy have a lower incidence of postpartum depression. This is often because medications like Xanax and Lexapro mimic the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is necessary for happiness and emotional health.

Additionally, some people find that natural anxiety medications help them to better manage their moods.

For example, if you’re pregnant and are feeling the effects of anxiety on your everyday life, it may be worth considering taking natural anxiety medication for pregnant women such as Xanax or Lexapro.

Just make sure to speak with your doctor before starting any new medication regimen as there are potential risks involved with taking these types of drugs during pregnancy.

What can I take for anxiety during pregnancy?

Other than herbal medication, you can take SSRIs which are effective and considered safe during pregnancy.

  1. What can I take for anxiety during pregnancy? There are a few options for natural anxiety medications for pregnant women. You can try herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort, or you can try over-the-counter medication, like Tylenol PM or Valerian root. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe SSRIs which are effective and considered safe during pregnancy.
  2. What does SSRI stand for? SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is an antidepressant medication that’s been shown to reduce anxiety levels in some patients. It’s considered safe during pregnancy as long as the dose doesn’t change and the prescription is managed in collaboration with the patient’s obstetrician.

Can I take Benadryl for anxiety while pregnant?

Benadryl is considered to be safe and effective during pregnancy and is often prescribed to pregnant women. If you experience anxiety while pregnant, there are natural remedies that can help.

Benadryl is a common medication for allergies, but it also acts as a sedative for some people.

If your doctor confirms that Benadryl is safe to take, it can be used as a natural anxiety medication during pregnancy. However, if you think that Benadryl is not the best choice for you or if your doctor does not recommend it, there are other options available.

Many women find relief from their anxiety symptoms by taking magnesium supplements and calming probiotics. As always, talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medicine or supplements while pregnant to ensure that they are safe for both you and your baby.

Can my anxiety hurt my baby?

It is very likely that your baby will be affected by your anxiety, particularly if you don’t get the right treatment and support. There are many symptoms of high levels of anxiety during pregnancy, including insomnia, morning sickness, frequent urination, and more.

These symptoms can be attributed to stress just as much as they can to the hormonal changes in your body that occur while pregnant. What’s more, a recent study found that women with elevated levels of anxiety during pregnancy had a higher rate of miscarriage than those with lower levels of anxiety.

The same research showed that women with high anxiety were also more likely to have a preterm birth. To make matters worse: Women who have high levels of anxiety during their first pregnancy are three times more likely to experience high levels of anxiety during subsequent pregnancies than those who don’t struggle with it initially (1).

So what should you do? If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy or if there’s been a significant change in these symptoms recently, speak with your doctor about natural medications for pregnant women now.

Does anxiety in pregnancy affect the baby?

There are many reasons why the presence of anxiety in pregnancy is significant. One of the most important is that it increases the chance that your baby will experience some level of mental distress.

In fact, high levels of anxiety during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of developing preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight.

If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive and feeling anxious, there are a few natural anxiety medications for pregnant women that might help to keep these symptoms at bay. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding.

How long does anxiety last in pregnancy?

When pregnant, you may experience panic attacks or other forms of anxiety. Most panic attacks last for between 5 and 20 minutes while pregnant. Anxiety during pregnancy is one of the most common mental disorders.

In fact, it’s estimated that up to 30 percent of pregnant women experience anxiety and as many as 10 percent suffer from an anxiety disorder during pregnancy. It’s most commonly experienced in the first trimester, less so in the second trimester, and more so in the third trimester.

Anxiety can be a severe condition that can actually cause panic attacks, depression, insomnia and lead to postpartum depression after birth. Many times it’s caused by a hormonal imbalance or stress triggered by outside forces — like work-related pressure or family issues — and can be exacerbated by frequent worry about what type of mother you will be.

It’s also often triggered by a fear of childbirth itself, which can lead to obsessive-compulsive thoughts about the negativity around labor and delivery. However, it’s important to remember that these feelings are completely normal for pregnant women, even if they are debilitating at times.

If your feelings become too much for you or interfere with your daily life, you may want to speak with a medical professional about natural anxiety medications for pregnant women. More than likely, there are various types of medications available that will help reduce your symptoms without any harmful side effects for you or your baby.

And although all doctors will have different opinions on appropriate treatment plans for each individual situation, it’s important to remember that some forms of therapy may also help alleviate your

Why is my anxiety worse when I’m pregnant?

Hormonal changes that occur when you become pregnant may affect the chemicals in your brain, which can lead to feelings of anxiety. It’s not surprising that many pregnant women experience some level of anxiety — and that’s completely normal.

Anxiety is one of the most common challenges that pregnant women have to face, likely due to the constant stream of information regarding potential negative outcomes for both mom and baby.

It’s important to remember that these feelings are perfectly natural and almost every woman experiences them at some point during their pregnancy. However, if your symptoms begin to affect your everyday life or you feel like your anxiety is getting worse, you may want to consider seeking natural relief with one of the following:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Exercise
  • Breathing exercises
  • Meditation
  • Yoga

Conclusion

Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but sometimes it can become a problem. When pregnant women experience anxiety, they need to find a natural remedy to feel better.

People who have anxiety will want to use calming essential oils, yoga breathing exercises, and calming yoga poses. They can also try the following medications: lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, kava, valerian, and L-tryptophan.

There are many ways to manage the stress, worry, and fears that often come with pregnancy. While there are plenty of pharmaceuticals available for managing these symptoms, it’s important to understand the side effects and risks associated with these medicines before deciding which route is best for you.

For some women, a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating well and exercising regularly, may be enough to ease their anxiety. For others, natural anxiety medications for pregnant women may be an effective option.

FAQs

How to calm anxiety while pregnant

The best ways to calm anxiety while pregnant are to engage in regular physical activity, ensure adequate sleep, practice mindfulness, journaling, schedule worry time, yoga, massage, meditation, herbal medication, and acupuncture. You should also eat a balanced diet, learn more about pregnancy and childbirth, have a support system, and make sure you take your prenatal vitamins. If they don’t work, you can talk to your doctor for an SSRI prescription.

How long does it take for St John’s Wort to help with anxiety?

St. John’s wort is a commonly-used herbal remedy for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It may take 3 to 6 weeks before you feel any effects from taking this extract, though some people experience an improvement in symptoms within the first few days of use. St. John’s Wort is often taken as a tea or in capsule form on an empty stomach during or just after breakfast.

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Dr. David Barlow

David is a well-known researcher and author in the anxiety disorders area with extensive research on their etiology, nature, and treatment. He started the site to share his real-life experiences on the management of anxiety disorders with successful diagnosis and treatment being his motivation to write or review the content on this site.