Exploring women’s experiences of identifying, negotiating and managing perinatal anxiety: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: Anxiety affects around 15% of women during the perinatal period and can adversely impact both mother and child, with potential implications for long-term health; few studies have examined women’s experiences of perinatal anxiety (PNA). In the context of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence prioritising PNA, this study aimed to explore women’s experiences of the identification and management of PNA and their engagement with healthcare professionals. DESIGN: Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews and applying thematic analysis. SETTING: Recruitment materials were shared widely through maternal support groups, children’s centres, libraries, National Health Service (NHS) providers (primary and secondary care) operating in the West Midlands or North West of England and through social media. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen women (aged 25–42 years) with self-reported anxiety during pregnancy and/or up to 12 months postpartum. Interviews digitally recorded and transcribed with consent. RESULTS: Three main themes and corresponding sub-themes are described around a central concept of PNA as an individualised experience: barriers to disclosing PNA; help-seeking for PNA and establishing and engaging support networks. Disclosing, help-seeking and accessing systems of support were interconnected and contextualised by individualised experiences of PNA and pervaded by stigma. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides new insights into PNA and calls for awareness to be improved to achieve parity alongside depression and avoid missed opportunities in the provision of care for women and families. Future research should seek to develop novel PNA-specific interventions aimed at prevention, management and/or combatting stigma to support more women to disclose mental health concerns and seek help early.