What is Perinatal OCD?

Perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders. It is estimated that as many as 3-5% of new mothers will experience these symptoms. Moms with OCD know that their thoughts are bizarre and are very unlikely to ever act on them. Risk factors for OCD include a personal or family history of anxiety or OCD.

Symptoms

Symptoms of perinatal OCD can include:

  • A sense of horror about the obsessions

  • Fear of being left alone with the infant

  • Hypervigilance in protecting the infant

  • Obsessions (intrusive thoughts) are persistent, repetitive thoughts or mental images related to the baby. These thoughts are very upsetting and not something the woman has ever experienced before.

  • Compulsions where the mom may do certain things over and over again to reduce fears and obsessions. May include the need to constantly clean, check things many times, or count or reorder things.

Treatment

OCD is temporary and treatable with professional help. If you feel you may be suffering from this illness, know that it is not your fault and you are not to blame. Please visit our Get Help page for more information on treatment. We understand what you are going through and will connect you to people who understand and can help.

October 26, 2015

MHAMD works to address the mental health needs of pregnant women and new moms

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 15 – 20% of pregnant women and new moms within the first year. …

Healthy New Moms Resources

Read our Healthy New Moms Resources for information on emergency resources, non-emergency resources, support groups, and health coverage.

October 4, 2018

What You Should Know about New Moms and PMADs

The birth of a child represents one of the most significant moments in a woman’s life. It’s a time of profound joy and new expectations as the mom and child begin their lifelong journey together. But for many new and expecting moms, it also can be a time of anxiety, depression or…

October 26, 2015

MHAMD works to address the mental health needs of pregnant women and new moms

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 15 – 20% of pregnant women and new moms within the first year.

Healthy New Moms Resources

Read our Healthy New Moms Resources for information on emergency resources, non-emergency resources, support groups, and health coverage.

October 4, 2018

What You Should Know about New Moms and PMADs

The birth of a child represents one of the most significant moments in a woman’s life. It’s a time of profound joy and new expectations as the mom and child begin their lifelong journey together.

But for many new and expecting moms, it also can be a time of anxiety, depression or something even more serious.

Help MHAMD now

Get Involved

MHAMD offers a variety of ways to support our work.

Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs assistance or is thinking of suicide, please get help immediately.

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