Holistic Considerations
There are considerations other than CBT and medications
when treating antenatal anxiety, such as social and
family support, and complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) therapies. According to a study by Lee et al. (2007),
marital fulfillment and social support perceived by pregnant
women have been recognized as protective factors for anxiety.
The research determined that perceived social support
had a greater protective effect against anxiety in the second
trimester, and that satisfaction in marriage was more protective
in the third trimester. The authors were not able to
determine a specific reason for the patterns, but the results
demonstrate that support and fulfillment are important factors
in antenatal anxiety. The study also showed that anxiety
and depression during pregnancy predisposed women to a
greater risk of postpartum depression and anxiety as well.