Perinatal Anxiety

Some worry in pregnancy and new parenthood is normal — but for many women, anxiety becomes constant, intrusive, and exhausting, robbing them of sleep and peace at a time that is meant to be joyful. Perinatal anxiety is common and very treatable. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER) provides safety-first care for anxiety during pregnancy and after birth, in-person in Gurugram and online across India.

Who this is for

This page is for women experiencing excessive worry, fear, or physical anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum period — including those with distressing intrusive thoughts about the baby's safety, which are a recognised and treatable form of perinatal anxiety and OCD.

How perinatal anxiety shows up

  • Constant, hard-to-control worry — often about the baby's health, feeding, or something going wrong.
  • Physical symptoms: racing heart, tension, restlessness, nausea, and sleep problems beyond those caused by the baby.
  • Panic attacks.
  • Intrusive thoughts — unwanted, frightening thoughts or images about harm coming to the baby. These are distressing precisely because they are the opposite of what the mother wants, and they are a symptom of anxiety/OCD, not an intention. This is perinatal OCD and it responds well to treatment.
  • Avoidance or excessive checking driven by fear.

Why it matters

Perinatal anxiety is distressing and can interfere with sleep, bonding, and daily functioning — and it often coexists with perinatal depression. Treatment brings real relief, and understanding that intrusive thoughts are a symptom (not a warning sign about you) is itself a powerful part of recovery.

Treatment options

  • Psychological therapy. Evidence-based approaches — CBT for anxiety, and ERP for perinatal OCD — are highly effective and carry no medication risk. Dr. Mitra coordinates with experienced clinical psychologists.
  • Practical support and skills. Sleep, support with the baby, and anxiety-management techniques all help.
  • Medication where appropriate. For moderate-to-severe anxiety, medication may be considered, chosen with attention to pregnancy and breastfeeding safety, and weighed against the risks of untreated anxiety.

Safety-first, reassuring care

Decisions are individualised, precise about the evidence, and made with you. If you already take medication and are pregnant or planning to be, do not stop abruptly — arrange a review so any change is planned safely.

In-person in Gurugram and online across India

Available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India via Zoom or Google Meet, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

Safety and urgent help

Frightening intrusive thoughts are a symptom of anxiety/OCD, not a sign you will act on them. But if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby that feel hard to resist, or you feel unable to cope, seek help immediately — contact emergency services, your nearest hospital, or Tele-MANAS on 14416. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Book a consultation

See fees · perinatal psychiatry · perinatal depression

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to feel this anxious during pregnancy or after birth? Some worry is normal, but constant, intrusive, or impairing anxiety is not something you simply have to endure — it is common, recognised, and treatable.

I have frightening thoughts about my baby — does this mean I'm a danger? Almost always no. Unwanted intrusive thoughts about harm are a symptom of perinatal anxiety/OCD and are distressing precisely because they are against your wishes. They respond well to treatment. If a thought ever feels like an urge you might act on, seek help urgently.

Can anxiety be treated without medication in pregnancy? Often yes. Therapy such as CBT or ERP is highly effective for perinatal anxiety and OCD and carries no medication risk. Medication is considered for more severe cases, weighed carefully.

Can I be treated while breastfeeding? Yes. Therapy has no medication risk, and where medication is used, it is chosen with breastfeeding safety in mind.

Can this be done online? Yes. Assessment, therapy coordination, and medication management can be provided online, which is convenient with a newborn.