Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Anxiety can show up as pregnancy or postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder or postpartum-OCD. It can cause unwanted and terrifying intrusive or scary thoughts. Though these thoughts may involve grim imagery, it's important to note someone experiencing OCD is horrified by these thoughts and would never act on them. You are not a bad mom or parent!
Thoughts May Include...
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"Do you think XYZ will hurt the baby?" "I think it will make the baby really sick."
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May ask for reassurance, but not feel satisfied with answers.
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"I can't go down the stairs. The baby is going to fall out of my arms."
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"I can't give the baby a bath. I'll drown them."
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Other dark, unwanted thoughts – possibly about harm coming to her baby. These are thoughts you may be hesitant to share. If you dislike these thoughts, it's safe to believe you will not act on them.
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Fear of being alone with baby.
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Because of the above, you or your loved one may avoid potentially harmful things such as the stove, stairs, knives or bathtub.
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Excessively Googling or researching to ease anxiety. ("I was researching XYZ and read that...")
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"Checking" baby's breathing, locked doors or other things to a level that is disruptive.
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Suggestions that eating or sleeping are disrupted.
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Fear that sharing the truth and experiences with loved ones or a doctor will result in baby being taken.
