Mixed-Methods Assessment of Maternal Anxiety During the First 8 Weeks After Birth

Abstract

Objective

To describe and compare the experiences of postpartum anxiety among women with generalized anxiety and postpartum-specific anxiety.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal, mixed methods.

Setting

Academic tertiary center in the mid-Atlantic United States. Study activities were remote.

Participants

Women at 1 to 8 weeks after birth (N = 34).

Methods

We used mobile surveys to measure daily anxiety ratings and responses to open-ended, theory-driven questions about anxiety. We used the cutoff scores on the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale administered 8 weeks after birth to determine the presence of generalized and postpartum-specific anxiety. Participants’ responses were analyzed with qualitative description and sorted by anxiety questionnaire scores at 8 weeks after birth. We compared qualitative findings between participants with generalized anxiety and postpartum-specific anxiety.

Results

Participants with generalized anxiety had high levels of overwhelm and felt ill-equipped to handle daily stressors, whereas those with postpartum-specific anxiety felt adept at coping. Participants with generalized anxiety lacked emotional and physical support, and those with postpartum-specific anxiety reported more physical but variable emotional support. Sources of daily anxiety in participants with postpartum-specific anxiety were infant-centric (e.g., infant health, end of maternity leave, breastfeeding), whereas anxiety sources for participants with generalized anxiety were varied (e.g., self-health, partner concerns). Participants with generalized anxiety versus postpartum-specific anxiety were more likely to be multiparous and have comorbid depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Symptoms, levels of perceived support, and sources of anxiety differed between participants with generalized versus postpartum-specific anxiety. Our findings can inform postpartum anxiety screening strategies and support interventions.