Research Says One in Ten New Dads Suffer Anxiety Around the Birth of their Baby

Australian researchers have found that anxiety around the birth of a child is just as common as postnatal depression, reports Mirror. And, they add, the risks for new fathers are almost as high as those for new mothers.

While the risk factors for postnatal depression are more widely known, experts warn that anxiety around the birth of a baby is another mental health condition which is just as dangerous.

Symptoms of the condition can include worrying much of the time, feeling irritable, and fears for the baby’s safety. Physical symptoms include a racing heart, feeling sweaty, poor sleep and a lack of appetite.

Mental health researcher, Dr Liana Leach, of the Australian National University, reviewed 43 separate studies to arrive at her findings and she says,

‘Couples should be aware of their mental health right from when they realise they are pregnant. Early intervention reduces the severity and duration of symptoms.’

She said parents are at increased risk of anxiety if they lack social support, especially from their partner, are facing financial difficulties and have a history of mental health problems. She also says,

‘Health care during the perinatal period should be about the whole family.’

The study has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Affective Disorders.