Postpartum and Perinatal OCD

Postpartum OCD occurs directly after childbirth while Perinatal OCD occurs while the individual is pregnant. Research indicates women who are pregnant or recently gave birth have an increased risk of developing OCD symptoms. Women who already have OCD may experience an increase in symptoms during this period. This subtype tends to occur somewhat rapidly for women which increases the urge to do compulsive behavior. Compulsions such as avoiding giving their baby a bath, being alone with their baby, holding their baby, etc., often occur. Obsessions tend to center around fears the baby will get hurt in someway or contaminated. Approximately 1-2% of pregnant or postpartum women experience one of these subtypes. Some fathers can also experience these symptoms because they too have anxiety about taking care of a new infant. Research indicates there is a link between Postpartum OCD and postpartum depression; however, the specifics are still unclear. With postpartum depression negative thoughts occur which can develop into fear-based obsessions. The OCD symptoms can also create depressive symptoms.