There are many different types of OCD and it can affect a person at any time, even before or after pregnancy. Perinatal (prenatal or postnatal) OCD occurs before or soon after pregnancy, but thankfully, with a help and support it can be managed.
1. What are the common compulsions of perinatal OCD?
While not an exhaustive list of the types of compulsions a woman can experience, the following will give you some insight into how it affects mums:
- Excessive avoidance of food for fear of harming the foetus
- Excessive washing of baby clothes
- Excessive sterilising
- Asking for constant reassurance that you have not harmed Baby
- Avoiding feeding baby for fear of poisoning them
- Keeping Baby away from others for fear they contaminate them
- Constantly checking baby
2. What are the common obsessions that a woman can experience?
Again, not an exhaustive list, but the following are the types of obsessions that any woman can experience:
- Horrifying thoughts of stabbing or suffocating a newborn
- Thoughts of accidently harming a child through carelessness, exposure to environmental toxins
- Fear of giving your child a serious disease
- Fear of making a wrong decision that can lead to a serious or fatal outcome
3. Is it permanent?
Perinatal OCD is a temporary maternal mood disorder which affects around 20,000 new mums in the UK each year.
4. How can it be treated?
There are plenty of things that can be done to help you if you are diagnosed with the disorder, and you should never feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss it. One of the most effective forms of treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Theraphy (CBT) which helps a patient focus and find practical ways to change how they feel and think.
It is important you speak to your midwife or your doctor about your concerns – they will be able to help you or point you in the right direction.
5. Am I at risk to my baby?
Mothers diagnosed with OCD are not at risk to their baby; in fact, their obsessions are usually based on a fear of harming their child. However, it can cause problems to the mum, who may experience suicidal thoughts or even difficulty bonding with baby. It can also mean you don’t enjoy your pregnancy or the first weeks or months of motherhood.
6. Will it return after the baby’s birth?
Perinatal OCD can occur both before and after the birth of your baby, and despite treatment during pregnancy, it can return a few weeks after Baby’s birth. but it is treatable.
Always talk to your midwife or GP if you have any concerns.
