Having a baby is typically a time of joy and happiness, but for some women pregnancy can also bring on increased feelings of anxiety, stress and even depression.

“For years, experts mistakenly believed that pregnancy hormones protected against depression,” says Dr. Shoshanna Bennett, a California-based licensed psychologist and author of the books, Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression and Pregnant on Prozac. “We now believe the rapid increase in hormone levels at the start of pregnancy can disrupt brain chemistry and sometimes lead to increased anxiety and depression.”

It’s perfectly normal for expectant moms to worry about their labor and delivery experience, their baby’s health, finances, or what kind of parent they will be.

“Worrying is only a problem if it’s having a negative impact on your life,” says Dr. Donielle Wilson, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and a certified holistic midwife nutritionist, based in New York. “If you find your worry is causing insomnia, panic attacks or increased stress, check with your doctor. There’s no reason to feel miserable for nine months.”

Wilson often begins by helping clients to put their worries in perspective. She also recommends that expectant moms find an online or in-person mothers’ group where they can share their concerns with other expectant moms.

“Sometimes just knowing you're not alone in your worries is one less reason to worry,” she says.

Talking with your doctor can also determine if there is a medical reason causing your anxiety.

“I’ve found that balancing blood sugar is one of the best first steps to healing most every health issue, including anxiety and fatigue,” Wilson says. “To do this, I encourage women to eat every three to four hours, and to include protein in each meal by choosing foods such as protein bars, nuts and sunflower seeds.”

Anxiety in pregnant women is also exacerbated by co-workers, friends or family members who feel compelled to share their labor and delivery horror stories.

“Tell everyone up front that you don't want to hear their war stories, they only make the anxiety worse,” Bennett says. “Find a friend or loved one that you can talk to honestly about your pregnancy and any concerns that you have.”

Cranking up your iPod can also help to lessen any anxiety you may be feeling. A recent study reported in the October 2008 Journal of Clinical Nursing found that music therapy reduced psychological stress among pregnant women.

The study, conducted by researchers at the College of Nursing at Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, found that mothers-to-be who listened to lullabies, classical music and sounds of nature were less likely to feel stressed during their pregnancies.

While worrying is a normal part of pregnancy, an estimated 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, a condition called antepartum depression.

“Unlike its cousin, postpartum depression, antepartum depression occurs before the baby is born,” Bennett says. “It’s not as widely discussed because many women feel guilty admitting they are depressed during what society says should be the happiest time of their life.”

Symptoms of antepartum depression include excessive fatigue, lack of concentration, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and extended periods of sadness. While antepartum depression is a very treatable condition, only a third of patients seek medical intervention.

“If a woman experiences these symptoms for more than two weeks she should contact her healthcare provider,” Bennett says. “Antepartum depression may be treated with therapy, medication or a combination of both.”

Wilson offers a variety of natural therapies for pregnant women who suffer from anxiety and depression and offers consults on her website www.doctordoni.com.

“I use naturopathic therapies such as nutrition, exercise, vitamin, mineral and enzyme therapy, herbal medicine and homeopathy to help patients better understand their bodies and to heal,” she says.