Path to Wellness Psychological Services, PLLC

Perinatal OCD

Pregnancy and Postpartum OCD

Becoming a parent is a deeply personal and often transformative experience. It’s a time filled with joy, wonder, and also, for many, unexpected anxieties. It’s completely normal to have worries about your baby’s well-being. However, if you find yourself excessively preoccupied with these concerns, seeking constant reassurance, or feeling overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, you might be experiencing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) related to pregnancy or postpartum. Please know that you are not alone, and help is available. Many parents experience similar challenges, and with the right support, you can find peace and joy in this chapter of your life.

Are you striving for perfection during your pregnancy, yet still worried that something might be wrong or you might have inadvertently harmed your baby? Have you asked your OB or pediatrician numerous questions, but find it difficult to fully trust their reassurances? Do you frequently check on your baby, even staring at the baby monitor or check they’re still breathing? Are you constantly searching for information online about “signs a baby is sick,” “excessive hiccuping in babies,” or “what does green baby poop mean?” Do you try to maintain a strict feeding and sleep schedule, and feel panicked if it gets off track? While these concerns are common for new parents, they can also indicate OCD if they are excessive, repetitive, and significantly impacting your well-being and daily functioning.

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

It’s completely normal to experience worries during pregnancy and as a parent. Sometimes these thoughts can be scary to experience and even scarier to talk about. Experiencing these symptoms does not make you a “bad” parent. It simply means you’re facing a challenge that can be addressed with support. Some common signs and symptoms of perinatal OCD include:

  • Intrusive thoughts, images, or urges: These are distressing and unwanted. They can take many forms, but are often related to your baby’s health and safety. You might worry about your baby getting sick, have concerns about cleanliness or germs, or fear that you or someone else could accidentally or intentionally harm your baby. Some parents may even have unwanted sexual thoughts. 
  • Compulsive behaviors and mental rituals: You may find yourself repeatedly checking on your baby, excessively cleaning, constantly researching illnesses or parenting strategies, or frequently seeking reassurance from others. You may also avoid certain activities or have difficulty caring for your baby. Some may experience perfectionism or the need for things to be “just right” with parenting or during pregnancy.
  • Fear of Being Alone: You may feel anxious or afraid of being left alone with your baby.
  • Excessive Protectiveness: You might find yourself being overly watchful and protective of your baby, beyond typical parental concern. You might have a hard time letting others care for or interact with your baby.

Treatment

You deserve to enjoy pregnancy and parenthood. We’re here to help. If you suspect you have pregnancy/postpartum OCD, speaking with our Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional about how therapy can help is a great first step. Through therapy, we’ll work together to develop strategies for managing your symptoms and breaking the OCD cycle. We’ll create a safe and understanding space for you to explore your emotions and experiences, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your OCD. We’ll also support you in navigating the many changes that come with pregnancy and parenthood, nurturing your bond with your baby and loved ones, and boosting your self-confidence as you embrace this new chapter.

We also encourage you to discuss your concerns with your medical provider, as medication may be another helpful option. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful. We recommend checking out the support groups offered by Postpartum Support International for additional community and resources.

Take the first step towards feeling better. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about how we can help.

What to Expect

We understand that reaching out can be difficult. Here’s what you can expect when you connect with us:

Free Phone Consultation

During your free 15-minute phone consultation, we will ask you about the things that are bringing you in and discuss what treatment will look like. We’ll also cover practical details like insurance and payment options so you know what to expect. This is a no-pressure conversation where we can see if we’re a good fit for each other.

Initial Assessment

The first few sessions are all about getting to know you and understanding your unique needs and goals. You and your therapist will work together to create a personalized treatment plan and decide on a meeting schedule (typically weekly at first). It’s also a time to build trust and comfort with your therapist.

Therapy Appointments

In therapy, you’ll collaborate with your therapist to gain insight into your experiences, make positive changes in your life, and improve your overall well-being. Our approach is supportive, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs.

Finishing Therapy

As you progress and achieve your goals, you and your therapist will discuss the next steps together. Whether it’s setting new goals, reducing session frequency, or concluding therapy, we’ll work with you to ensure a smooth transition.