Almost every parent worries. Perinatal anxiety is something different, and knowing how to tell the two apart changes what you do next.

In the first episode of Perinatal in Practice, Rebecca lays out how to distinguish the normal uptick in worry that comes with pregnancy and new parenthood from a perinatal anxiety disorder. She explains why anxiety naturally increases during this period, from an evolutionary and neurological standpoint, and walks through three practical questions professionals can use with clients: is the worry proportional to the situation, what's the impact across physical, cognitive, behavioural and emotional areas, and does it respond to reassurance. It's a framework for telling when someone needs normalising and information, and when they need more targeted support.

Links & resources mentioned

• Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health: https://www.perinatalmentalhealthinstitute.com/intro-course-information
• Beyond Normal Worry: Recognizing and Supporting Health Anxiety in the Perinatal Period: https://perinatalmentalhealthinstitute.com/product-details/product/w-health-anxiety-flynn
• Aren't Mums Meant to Worry? Understanding Perinatal OCD: https://perinatalmentalhealthinstitute.com/product-details/product/w-ocd-reddin

Disclaimer: Perinatal in Practice is intended for professional education purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice or supervision, and does not replace your own professional judgment or your organisation's protocols.

🎵 Theme music: Hopeful Horizons by Justin Lee

And when you’re ready to transform your Perinatal Practice with evidence-based Training & Community:

🟢 Take the FREE FREE PMADS TRAINING - Symptoms and Screening for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: https://learn.perinatalmentalhealthinstitute.com/free-pmads-training

🟢 Join the PMHI Community Hub: https://perinatalmentalhealthinstitute.com/communityhub