Perinatal & Postpartum Members

Pregnancy Worry & Coping Plan

A perinatal anxiety worksheet that lists pregnancy worries, sorts actionable from non-actionable concerns, plans calming strategies and prepares questions for care providers.

1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · CBT · Perinatal anxiety

Key facts

Approach / concern
Perinatal & Postpartum
Technique
CBT · Perinatal anxiety
Format
Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
Access
Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
For
Licensed clinicians to use with clients
Updated
October 2026

What is the Pregnancy Worry & Coping Plan?

Anxiety during pregnancy is common and can focus on the baby’s health, childbirth, finances or parenting. This worksheet applies CBT principles of worry sorting and problem-solving alongside calming strategies and help-seeking.

Why it works

Anxiety, depression and stress in pregnancy have implications for maternal and child wellbeing and deserve attention and treatment (Dunkel Schetter & Tanner, 2012). Identifying perinatal mental health concerns early improves outcomes (O’Hara & McCabe, 2013).

When to use it

  • Prenatal anxiety and worry
  • Pregnancy after loss
  • High-risk pregnancies
  • Fear of childbirth

How to use it in session

  1. Invite the client to list current worries.
  2. Sort actionable from non-actionable worries.
  3. Plan next steps or acceptance strategies.
  4. Choose calming practices.
  5. Prepare questions for prenatal appointments.

Clinician tips

  • Pregnancy after loss needs extra sensitivity.
  • Coordinate with obstetric care providers.
  • Screen for perinatal depression and OCD symptoms.

Worked example

Worry: the baby isn’t moving enough. Act on it? Yes: call the triage line if movements decrease. Worry: labour will go badly. Make room: notice the thought, breathe, and ask about birth options at my next visit.

Sharing with clients

Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to worry during pregnancy?

Yes. But if worry is constant or interferes with sleep, eating or daily life, it’s worth talking to your care provider.

Can therapy help with pregnancy anxiety?

Yes. CBT and other therapies are effective and safe during pregnancy.

References

Dunkel Schetter, C., & Tanner, L. (2012). Anxiety, depression and stress in pregnancy: Implications for mothers, children, research, and practice. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 25(2), 141-148.

O’Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9, 379-407.

This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.