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Perinatal OCD

You may have had OCD before getting pregnant. For some women, pregnancy or birth can be the trigger for the disorder.

OCD has three main parts:

Thoughts or images that keep coming into your mind. These are called obsessions.
Anxiety - usually as a result of the obsessional thoughts.
Thoughts or actions you keep repeating to try to reduce your anxiety. These are called compulsions.

Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a distressing but often misunderstood mental health condition that can emerge during pregnancy or the postpartum period. It is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) often related to the baby’s safety, along with compulsive behaviors or mental rituals aimed at reducing anxiety. Common obsessions include fears of harming the baby (despite having no desire to do so), contamination fears, or an overwhelming need for order and control. These thoughts can be deeply distressing, leading mothers to experience intense guilt, shame, and isolation. Perinatal OCD is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, as many mothers hesitate to disclose their symptoms due to fear of judgment. However, with appropriate treatment—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and sometimes medication—mothers can manage their symptoms and regain confidence in their ability to care for their baby. Compassionate, stigma-free support is essential in helping women with perinatal OCD feel understood and supported.