Who is at risk for developing postpartum OCD?

An estimated 2–4% of new mothers experience postpartum OCD. Women with a history of anxiety or OCD prior to pregnancy are at a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of postpartum OCD?

Symptoms include intrusive thoughts about the baby's safety and compulsive behaviors such as excessive checking, cleaning, or reassurance-seeking to reduce anxiety.

Perinatal and Postpartum OCD: What new parents need to know

Q: What is postpartum OCD?

Postpartum OCD is an anxiety disorder that involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, often focused on a baby's safety. These thoughts are ego-dystonic and do not reflect the parent's true desires.

Q: How is postpartum OCD treated?

Treatment typically includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication such as SSRIs, and psychoeducation. Treatment during the postpartum period should be adapted for safety and support.

Heather Davidson
May 13
2 min read

Updated: May 15

A new parent cradling an infant while looking concerned, representing the emotional impact of postpartum OCD and perinatal anxiety. — 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.

Don’t suffer alone

Postpartum OCD can be a silent struggle for many new parents due to the fear of judgment or misunderstanding about the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. With the right treatment and support postpartum OCD is treatable. Please reach out to Better Being Main Line if you or your partner is struggling with postpartum OCD. Our perinatal counselors offer women’s counseling, couples therapy and marriage counseling.