Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, characterized by recurrent, persistent thoughts and/or mental images (intrusive thoughts), has a higher incidence in pregnancy and during the postpartum than it does in the general population. During the perinatal period, the content of the intrusive thoughts is often related to accidental or intentional harm coming to the baby. The content of intrusive thoughts creates anxiety or distress for the individual and the compulsions (rituals) that follow serve to reduce that distress. It is important to note that although obsessions often contain alarming content they do not represent a psychotic process and it is very unlikely that the thoughts will be acted upon. Avoidance of triggering situations is common and will ultimately worsen the symptoms over time if not addressed. 70-100% of all new moms have intrusive thoughts of infant harm and about 50% of all new moms have intrusive thoughts about intentionally harming their infant. The prevalence of maternal OCD is 3-5%.

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Obsessions (persistent intrusive thoughts or mental images) that are related to the baby’s safety/health.

    • These obsessions are very upsetting to the mother and she is aware that they are bizarre. The mother is very unlikely to act on these bizarre thoughts.

  • Compulsions (repetitive, ritualistic behaviors that are difficult to control). A mother may engage in these behaviors to reduce fears and obsessions.

    • Reassurance seeking, checking, and cleaning rituals may be observable. Mental rituals like counting, silently repeating “special” words or numbers and self-reassurance cannot be observed but may also be present and have the capacity to interfere with functioning.

  • Anxiety

  • Fear

  • Agitation

  • Panic Attacks

  • Social Isolation

  • Hypervigilance

  • Apprehension

  • Guilt

Learn more about perinatal OCD HERE.