Some physical developments commonly associated
with pregnancy, including heartburn, sweating, increased
heart rate, and shortness of breath, may lead to symptoms
of panic. This is most noticeable between the 6th and 28th
week of pregnancy (Avni-Barron & Wiegartz, 2011). In addition,
a woman with antenatal anxiety is likely to eat and
sleep poorly, and may not stay on track with the recommended
weight gain. There is a greater chance that she will
use alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes during the pregnancy, and
a lesser chance that she will seek prenatal care. The effects
of higher stress hormones during antenatal anxiety disorders
may place women at greater risk for high blood pressure,
pre-eclampsia, premature and difficult births, and predispose
infants to be small for their age (World Health Organization
[WHO], 2008).