Perinatal and Postpartum OCD: What new parents need to know

2-4% of new mothers experience Postpartum OCD. You don't have to suffer alone.

What is Postpartum OCD?

Postpartum OCD (also referred to as perinatal OCD if the symptoms occur during pregnancy) is an anxiety disorder where new moms experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts and engage in compulsive behaviors, usually revolving around the safety and well-being of their new baby.

Who gets Postpartum OCD?

It is estimated that 2-4% of new mothers experience Postpartum OCD. However, this condition is underreported and often misdiagnosed due to the shame and fear associated with admitting such thoughts, especially when they involve potential harm to the child. Women with a history of OCD or anxiety prior to pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing Postpartum OCD.

What do obsessive symptoms look like?

With postpartum OCD the intrusive thoughts focus on the safety and health of the baby. Sometimes the thoughts can be scary and may include thoughts about harming the baby or that others will harm the baby. However, it is important to note that these thoughts are not aligned with the parent's desires or values but are ego-dystonic, causing significant distress.

What do compulsions look like?

Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts performed to neutralize the anxiety or prevent the feared outcomes. This might include excessive checking on the baby, cleaning, avoiding certain activities, or seeking constant reassurance.

How is Postpartum OCD treated?

The most effective therapy modality for treating OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves exposing the parent to the thoughts they fear while preventing the compulsive response. However – during the postpartum period, this treatment must be adjusted to ensure the safety and well-being of the baby are not compromised. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also very effective in treating OCD and can be used alone or in conjunction with ERP. Medications including SSRIs, psychoeducation about OCD and support groups can also be very helpful.

 You Don’t Have to Suffer Alone Perinatal and postpartum OCD is often a silent struggle, as many new parents fear judgment or misunderstanding about intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. With the right support, however, postpartum OCD is highly treatable.

At Better Being Group, we provide perinatal counseling, therapy for stress and anxiety, women’s counseling, marriage counseling, and couples therapy to help parents manage symptoms and strengthen their relationships during this vulnerable time.

We offer secure Online Therapy in 42 states, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, and California, so you can access care from home. In-person sessions are also available at our Bryn Mawr, PA office.

Take the next step toward healing — contact Better Being Group today to learn more about therapy for perinatal and postpartum OCD.