Free family guide · Emotions and mental health

Anxiety during pregnancy

The NHS says around 1 in 5 mothers feel anxious or stressed during pregnancy.[1]

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Sources on this page: NHS; ACOG; HRSA; 988 Lifeline; MedlinePlus

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

How common it is

The NHS says around 1 in 5 mothers feel anxious or stressed during pregnancy.[1] Its week 17 page says about 1 in 5 women feel stressed or anxious in pregnancy.[2]

When to get help

The NHS says to get help if stress, anxiety or low mood is affecting your daily life.[3]

The NHS says sleeplessness with hopelessness or loss of interest can be a sign of depression, and to speak to your doctor or midwife.[4]

ACOG says that after birth, postpartum depression can show as intense sadness, anxiety or despair that stops you doing daily tasks.[5]

Sleep and dreams

The NHS says disturbing dreams are common later in pregnancy, because of hormones and anxiety.[6] It says strange dreams and nightmares about the baby or the birth are normal.[4]

Things the NHS suggests

  • For your emotions, the NHS suggests rest, small meals, mindfulness and talking to your midwife.[7]
  • The NHS suggests making a wellbeing plan.[8]
  • The NHS suggests relaxing before bed and being active during the day.[4]

Where to get help

HRSA says the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262, takes calls and texts 24/7 in English and Spanish.[9] The 988 Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988, 24/7.[10]

MedlinePlus says thoughts of harming yourself or your baby call for 988 or 911.[11]

Questions families ask

Is it normal to feel anxious in pregnancy?

The NHS says around 1 in 5 mothers feel anxious or stressed during pregnancy.[1]

When should I ask for help with anxiety?

The NHS says to get help if stress, anxiety or low mood is affecting your daily life.[3]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. NHS (United Kingdom). 5 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. NHS (United Kingdom). 17 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. NHS (United Kingdom). Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. NHS (United Kingdom). Tiredness and sleep problems in pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. NHS (United Kingdom). 30 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  7. NHS (United Kingdom). 8 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  8. NHS (United Kingdom). 22 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  9. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Checked October 24, 2026.
  10. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Checked October 24, 2026.
  11. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.