OCD in pregnancy and after birth (perinatal OCD)

OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is a mental health condition. A person has unwanted thoughts that keep coming back (obsessions). They feel driven to do things to ease the worry (compulsions).

When OCD happens during pregnancy or after birth, it is called perinatal OCD. When it happens after birth, you may also hear it called postnatal or postpartum OCD. The NHS says OCD sometimes starts after an important life event, such as childbirth.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says OCD affects about 2 in 100 women during pregnancy. It affects 2 to 3 in every 100 women in the year after giving birth.

It is not only mothers. OCD-UK says new fathers may also experience OCD around this time. It says this may be linked to feeling more responsible for protecting their new baby.

The NHS says almost everyone has unwanted thoughts at some point. These can include sudden violent or upsetting images that seem to come from nowhere.

OCD-UK says the difference in OCD is that the thoughts are more intense, come more often and are harder to control.

The thoughts can be so upsetting that you feel you must do something to keep your baby safe. You might check on your baby again and again, or avoid being alone with them.

Some thoughts are sexual, such as a fear of causing sexual harm to your child without meaning to. OCD-UK says a parent with these thoughts may avoid bathing or hugging their own children, which can upset both parent and child.

The NHS says violent or sexual thoughts can feel repulsive or frightening. But they are just thoughts, and having them does not mean you will act on them.

Current NICE guidance (CG31) tells health professionals that thoughts like these are common in OCD. It says they are often wrongly taken as a sign of risk. It asks professionals who are unsure to get advice from someone with expertise in OCD.

Our guide to intrusive thoughts and OCD explains more.

Checking, cleaning, asking for reassurance and avoiding things can bring relief. But the NHS says the relief does not last. The worry and anxiety soon come back, and the cycle starts again.

OCD-UK says asking for reassurance is a compulsion too. Once is never enough, and each answer makes you feel you need to ask again.

Breaking this cycle is what treatment for OCD focuses on.

The NHS says OCD is unlikely to get better on its own, but treatment and support can help. OCD is a health condition like any other. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is not your fault.

Talk to your GP or health visitor

If the thoughts keep coming and affect your daily life, the NHS says to speak to your GP or health visitor. They can support you, or refer you to a specialist mental health team if you need it.

Are you pregnant and living with a long-term mental health condition such as OCD? The NHS says you should be referred to your local perinatal mental health service.

In England, you can also refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service. You need to be 18 or over (16 or 17 in some areas). You do not need a diagnosis.

If you take medicine

If you find out you are pregnant while taking prescribed medicine, the NHS says to tell your doctor or specialist as soon as possible. Do not stop taking it until you have spoken to them.

Support from charities

Maternal OCD is a charity set up by mothers who have recovered from perinatal OCD. Its website has information about perinatal OCD (opens in a new tab).

OCD-UK also has a guide to OCD during pregnancy and after birth (opens in a new tab).

If you need help now

We are not an emergency service. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says you should be seen urgently if:

• you cannot look after yourself or your baby
• you have plans to harm yourself

You can be seen by your GP, a mental health service or your local A&E. If you are in crisis, find urgent mental health help.