Obsessions and Compulsions In New Parents

Scary, unusual thoughts can feel like some of the most taboo secrets tell anyone, especially when they are about something terrible happening to your baby. Yet, people in the perinatal period – in other words, people who are pregnant, people who have recently given birth, and any new parents and supporting partners – are at an increased risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

If you are worried about any of the thoughts you’ve been having, use the symptom checker below to see if you might be experiencing obsessions and/or compulsions.

Do you…

• often have scary, unwanted thoughts about your baby (for example, hurting your baby or your baby getting injured or sick) that intrude your mind and worry you?
• usually want to ignore or suppress these thoughts or try to do something to make them stop?
• have any routines that you do when you have a scary thought to counteract the thought, reduce your anxiety, or prevent something bad from happening?
• feel like you overprotect your baby because of these thoughts and fears?

Remember: thinking something does not mean it will come true. 

There are gold standard, evidence-based interventions available for obsessive-compulsive disorder that will help you manage your thoughts and actions, regain a sense of control over your life, and find peace in living your life.

Dr. Ellen Kolomeyer is a clinical psychologist with expertise in parenting young children and in mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. She is based in Plantation, FL and provides consultations to clients throughout Florida.