Signs & symptoms of anxiety

Physical

• Fast heart rate

• Stomach cramps
• Tight or painful chest and throat
• Shallow breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Muscle tension (grinding teeth, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, muscle twitching)

Behavioural

• Avoiding certain situations, activities, places, or people

• Over-controlling
• Asking others for constant reassurance
• Checking things repeatedly
• Being overly cautious
• Shaking

Thoughts

• Racing thoughts

• Imagining bad scenarios
• Ruminating on the past
• Worrying and obsessing
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty concentrating and focusing
• Perfectionism (believing you should not make any mistakes and do everything just right)

Risk factors:

• history of high anxiety and/or depression

• history of miscarriage(s)
• high-risk pregnancy
• major life stressors (such as marital or financial problems)