Postpartum Anxiety and Physical Symptoms (Heart Palpitations, Dizziness, Nausea)
Welcoming a new baby is often described as one of life’s happiest milestones—but for many parents, the postpartum period can also bring unexpected emotional and physical challenges. One of the most common yet misunderstood experiences is postpartum anxiety, which can include intense worry along with uncomfortable physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, and nausea. Understanding what’s happening in your body—and knowing when to seek support—can make this season feel far less overwhelming.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a mental health condition that can occur anytime during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. While it’s normal to feel some worry as a new parent, postpartum anxiety goes beyond typical concerns. It may involve persistent racing thoughts, fear that something bad will happen to your baby, difficulty sleeping even when your baby sleeps, or feeling constantly “on edge.”
Many individuals searching for postpartum anxiety therapy in Dallas are surprised to learn that anxiety after childbirth is actually very common. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, identity changes, and new responsibilities can all contribute to heightened anxiety.
Why Physical Symptoms Happen
One of the most confusing aspects of postpartum anxiety is how physical it can feel. Symptoms may include:
Rapid or pounding heartbeat (heart palpitations)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Shortness of breath
Muscle tension or shakiness
These sensations occur because anxiety activates the body’s fight-or-flight response. When your brain perceives stress or danger—even if there isn’t a real threat—it releases adrenaline. This hormone prepares your body to react quickly, which can cause your heart rate to increase, breathing to change, and digestion to slow. While this response is meant to protect you, it can feel frightening when it happens repeatedly or without a clear cause.
For new parents, these symptoms are sometimes mistaken for medical problems or postpartum complications, which can increase worry even more. It’s always wise to rule out medical causes with a healthcare provider, but if tests come back normal, anxiety may be the underlying factor.
The Emotional Impact
Physical symptoms often intensify emotional distress. Someone experiencing postpartum anxiety might think:
“Something is wrong with my body.”
“What if I faint while holding my baby?”
“Why can’t I relax like other parents?”
These thoughts can create a cycle: physical symptoms trigger worry, and worry makes symptoms worse. Over time, this cycle can lead to avoidance behaviors, isolation, or difficulty enjoying time with your baby.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
How Therapy Can Help
Seeking professional support can be one of the most effective steps toward relief. Working with a therapist who specializes in postpartum mental health counseling in Dallas can help you understand your symptoms and learn tools to calm both your mind and body.
Therapy may include:
1. Education and reassurance
Learning how anxiety affects the nervous system often reduces fear about physical sensations.
2. Coping skills for physical symptoms
Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, grounding exercises, and gentle body awareness can lower adrenaline levels and regulate your nervous system.
3. Cognitive strategies
Therapists help identify anxious thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones.
4. Emotional support
Having a non-judgmental space to talk about fears, intrusive thoughts, or guilt can be deeply healing.
5. Practical postpartum adjustment support
Therapy can also address identity changes, relationship shifts, sleep challenges, and the pressures of new parenthood.
Many parents searching for therapy for new moms in Dallas or postpartum counseling near me discover that they feel relief simply knowing they’re not alone and that what they’re experiencing is treatable.
When to Seek Help
Consider reaching out for professional support if:
Anxiety feels constant or overwhelming
Physical symptoms happen frequently
You avoid activities because of fear
You struggle to sleep even when tired
Worry interferes with daily functioning or bonding with your baby
Early support can prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and can help you feel more confident and grounded in your parenting journey.
FAQ: Postpartum Anxiety
Is postpartum anxiety different from postpartum depression?
Yes. While they can occur together, anxiety is primarily driven by excessive worry and physical tension, whereas depression often involves persistent sadness, low energy, or loss of interest.
How long does postpartum anxiety last?
It varies. Some people experience symptoms for weeks, while others may struggle longer without treatment. With therapy, many begin to notice improvement within a few months.
Can postpartum anxiety cause heart palpitations?
Yes. Anxiety can stimulate the nervous system, increasing heart rate and creating the sensation of pounding or fluttering.
Do I need medication?
Not always. Many individuals improve with therapy alone. However, medication can be helpful in some cases and can be discussed with a medical provider if needed.
About the Author
Diandra Baquero, PsyD is a bilingual therapist originally from Puerto Rico. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Albizu University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ponce Health Sciences University. Dr. Baquero has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds across multiple clinical settings, including medical and primary care environments, rehabilitation and correctional facilities, and psychiatric hospitals. She has experience supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance-related concerns, and more.
Her therapeutic style emphasizes warmth, safety, and a judgment-free space where clients can openly share and heal. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new restaurants, engaging in creative activities, and connecting with loved ones and pets.
Ready to Feel Better? Take the Next Step
If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum anxiety, compassionate support is available. Sunrise Counseling in Dallas offers specialized care for new and expecting parents.
To get started:
Reach out to Sunrise Counseling to schedule an initial appointment.
Meet with a therapist who understands postpartum mental health and can tailor support to your needs.
You don’t have to navigate postpartum anxiety alone. With the right support, healing is possible—and you can begin to feel calm, confident, and present in this new chapter of life.
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: