OCD Subtype:
Perinatal
Perinatal OCD, also called Postpartum OCD, shows up as scary, unwanted thoughts about your baby—thoughts that go against everything you value as a parent. These obsessions usually center on the fear of harming your baby, whether by accident or on purpose, and can feel so vivid that you might fear you’re a danger to your child—even though the opposite is true. It’s important to know that parents with perinatal OCD do not want to harm their baby; there is no intention or desire to do so—only a powerful fear of it happening.
Both moms and dads can experience this, whether OCD symptoms began before pregnancy, intensified after birth, or appeared for the first time during this stage. Hormone shifts, combined with the major life transition of bringing a newborn into the world, can also contribute to the onset of symptoms. Unlike the fleeting intrusive thoughts many new parents experience, perinatal OCD makes these thoughts stick and fuels compulsions like checking, cleaning, avoiding being alone with your child, or seeking reassurance—leaving you exhausted, isolated, and doubting yourself as a parent.
Perinatal OCD can show up like:
For the first time — pregnancy itself can trigger the onset of OCD, even if you have never experienced symptoms before.
As a flare up- if you’ve been diagnosed with OCD or experienced symptoms in the past, it is common to notice an increase in symptoms during the perinatal period.
For fathers, same sex partners, adoptive parents, etc. regardless of if you are the childbearing parent.
Common Perinatal Obsessions
Fear of harming your baby—”what if I drop them? What if I hurt them by accident? What if I lose control and do something terrible?”
Doubts about being a good parent — “What if I’m not capable?”
Concerns about bonding — “What if I don’t feel connected to my baby? What if they sense it and feel unloved?”
Contamination fears — “What if I don’t sanitize enough and they get sick? What if I pass on germs without realizing it?”
Intrusive sexual thoughts — “what if I touch my baby inappropriately?”
Common Perinatal Compulsions
Repeatedly checking baby’s breathing, temperature, or movements.
Avoiding holding the baby, feeding the baby, or being alone with the baby.
Constantly asking loved ones to confirm that your baby is okay or that you’re doing a good job as a parent.
Avoiding situations that feel risky (like leaving the house or letting others hold the baby).
Extreme cleaning or sanitizing to make sure your baby doesn’t get sick.
Excessive researching about baby care and safety.
You’re Not A Bad Parent
You’re Dealing with OCD.
The thoughts you're having feel terrifying because they go against everything you care about. That’s the nature of OCD—it targets what matters most.
But these thoughts do not reflect who you are or your fitness as a parent.
Effective treatment can help you find freedom from these fears, reconnect with your values, and feel confident in your role again.