How Anxiety Affects the Mind (Especially in the Perinatal Year)

You’re not broken — your brain is doing its job.

It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one lying awake at 3am, mind racing, heart fluttering, imagining worst-case scenarios for things that haven’t even happened. But this experience is incredibly common — especially in pregnancy, postpartum, and the early parenting years.

And no, you’re not weak. You’re not failing. You’re human. And your brain is working overtime to try to protect you.

The brain during times of change

During the perinatal year, the brain becomes more sensitive and tuned-in. It’s a biological shift designed to help you be more attuned to your baby’s needs. But that same sensitivity can also make you more vulnerable to stress, worry, and overwhelm.

When the brain perceives a threat (even if it’s emotional or imagined), it activates the fight or flight response — an ancient survival system that sends a rush of hormones through the body to prepare you for danger. Think: rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, tense muscles, and an overwhelming sense of urgency.

The catch? The threat doesn’t have to be real. A missed nap, a disapproving comment, or even the fear of “not doing this right” can feel just as dangerous to your nervous system as being chased by a bear.

Living in fight-or-flight mode

When this stress response is activated again and again without a chance to reset, it starts to shape how you see the world:

• Everything can feel like too much

• You may feel disconnected from your body or baby

• You might become hyper-aware of noises, mess, or mistakes

• You might start fearing your own fear

This is not your fault. It’s your body trying to keep you safe. But long-term stress can chip away at emotional resilience, confidence, and even physical health.

What you can do

The good news? You’re not stuck. The nervous system wants to return to balance. You can guide it there — slowly, gently, and with care.

In the next blog post, we’ll explore exactly how.

But for now, just know this: you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. Anxiety is a message — not a life sentence.

Signing off with love as always,

Elizabeth x