Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.AbuseThe following page includes discussions of abuse, including verbal, physical, neglect, sexual (**SA also has its own warning**), etc. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)**, sometimes written as **Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder**, is characterized by intrusive thoughts and behaviors that are in response to a perceived danger towards their baby. These thoughts and behaviors are constant and repetitive, and they can severely disrupt daily life. Individuals with postpartum OCD are aware of their intrusive thoughts, but they cannot control them.

## Signs & Symptoms

* Obsessions related to the baby.
* Compulsions.
* A sense of horror about the obsessions.
* Fear of being left alone with the infant.
* Hypervigilance in protecting the infant.

### Obsessions

Some common obsessions individuals with postpartum OCD might experience:

* Unwanted images of hurting the baby, such as dropping or throwing them.
* Concerns about accidentally causing the baby harm through carelessness.
* Intrusive and unwanted thoughts of suffocating or stabbing the baby.
* Unwanted and disturbing thoughts of sexually abusing the baby.
* Scared of making poor decisions that will cause the baby harm or death.
* Fear that the baby will develop a serious disease.
* Fear of exposing the baby to toxins and chemicals and other environmental pollutants.

### Compulsions

Some common compulsions experienced by those with postpartum OCD:

* Getting rid of sharp objects, such as knives or scissors.
* Not feeding the baby out of fear of poisoning them.
* Not changing diapers out of fear of sexually abusing the baby.
* Not consuming certain foods or medications out of fear of harming the baby.
* Deliberately avoiding watching or reading the news when it involves child abuse.
* Continuously monitoring self when it comes to possible inappropriate sexual thoughts.
* Obsessively checking the baby while they sleep.
* Asking family members for reassurance that the baby has not been harmed or abused.
* Going over the day's events mentally to ensure that nothing bad has happened to the baby.

Postpartum OCD symptoms typically start showing in the first two to three weeks after giving birth.

## Causes

Like most mental health conditions, there is no one exact cause of postpartum OCD. Sudden and drastic changes in hormones after giving birth may contribute to certain postpartum OCD symptoms. These changes, combined with chronic fatigue and overwhelming feelings as they care for a new baby, can lead many to develop severe anxiety that evolves into OCD.

Other risk factors of developing postpartum OCD include:

* A personal or family history of OCD.
* Unmet expectations regarding parenthood that cause negative thoughts and self-doubt.

Many who have ongoing OCD before childbirth find that having a baby worsens their symptoms.

## References

https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/obsessive-symptoms/

https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/types/ocd/