For new mothers, postnatal OCD can be a debilitating condition. It can cause extreme anxiety and even lead to depression. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to get help. In this blog post, we will discuss postnatal OCD and how to get the help you need.
Contents
What is postnatal OCD? 
Postnatal OCD is a form of postpartum anxiety that can be incredibly debilitating for new mothers. Many women experience some form of postpartum anxiety or “baby blues” after giving birth, but for some, this can develop into a more serious condition. In other words, postnatal OCD is postpartum anxiety that has gone too far.
What Are The Symptoms?
- intrusive and unwanted thoughts about harm coming to the baby
- anxiety about germs and contamination
- a need for excessive cleaning and sterilizing
- fear of losing control
- obsessive doubting
- compulsively checking on the baby
- repeating certain actions or rituals
- avoidance of people, places, or things that trigger anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- irritability and mood swings
- feeling constantly on edge
What Are The Risk Factors?
Several risk factors can contribute to postnatal OCD, including:
Previous trauma or major life stressors 
Previous trauma or major life stressors results in postnatal OCD, indeed. There are various theories for this. One theory suggests that postnatal OCD is the result of unresolved trauma. The thinking goes that postnatal OCD is a way for the brain to try to make sense of the trauma. Another theory suggests that postnatal OCD is a way to cope with major life stressors. This theory suggests that postnatal OCD is a way to deal with the stress of being a new parent. For example, if a woman has experienced a traumatic birth, she may develop postnatal OCD. Or, if a woman is struggling to cope with the demands of motherhood, she may develop postnatal OCD.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism results in postnatal OCD, it’s true. But how? It’s simple. Perfectionism is the belief that if we do something perfectly, or meet some unrealistic standard, we’ll be happy, loved, and successful. This belief leads us to strive for perfection in everything we do. Unfortunately, this is an impossible task. There is no such thing as perfect. So, we are constantly falling short of our expectations and feeling like failures.
This is where postnatal OCD comes in. postnatal OCD is when these perfectionistic beliefs and behaviors become so extreme that they start to interfere with our daily lives. We might spend hours obsessively cleaning our homes, or checking and rechecking that the baby is breathing. Due to perfectionism, new mothers feel like they have to be perfect parents, and this unrealistic belief can lead to postnatal OCD.
Certain personality types
There are a few different personality types that tend to result in postnatal OCD. One is the perfectionist personality type. This type of person is usually very detail-oriented and expects everything to be done perfectly. They often have a hard time letting go of things and may obsess over small details. This can often lead to postnatal OCD because they may obsess over things like whether or not they are doing everything perfectly.
Another type of personality that often leads to postnatal OCD is the control freak personality type. This type of person is usually very organized and likes to be in control of everything. They often have a hard time dealing with change and may try to control everything in their environment. This can often lead to postnatal OCD because they may obsess over things like whether or not they are in control of their environment.
The last type of personality that often leads to postnatal OCD is the anxiety personality type. This type of person is usually very anxious and may have a hard time dealing with change. They often worry about things that may never happen. This can often lead to postnatal OCD because they may obsess over things like whether or not they are going to be able to cope with the changes that come with having a baby.
Depression during pregnancy
Depression during pregnancy can result in postnatal OCD in a few ways. First, the stress of dealing with depression can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that can worsen postpartum OCD symptoms. Additionally, postnatal depression can make it difficult to bond with your baby, which can in turn lead to postnatal OCD. Finally, postpartum depression can lead to postnatal anxiety, which can trigger postnatal OCD symptoms. For example, postpartum anxiety can cause you to obsess over your baby’s health and well-being, which can lead to postnatal OCD. You may also start to avoid people and places that make you feel anxious, which can lead to postnatal OCD.
Pregnancy complications
Pregnancy complications can result in postnatal OCD for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, when a woman is pregnant, her body is going through a lot of changes. These changes can be physical, emotional, and hormonal. All of these changes can put a lot of stress on the body and the mind. Additionally, when a woman is pregnant, she is also dealing with a lot of new responsibilities. She may feel like she has to be perfect to ensure the health and safety of her child. This can be a very overwhelming feeling, and it can lead to postnatal OCD.
Another reason why pregnancy complications can result in postnatal OCD is because of the way that society views pregnant women. There is a lot of pressure on women to be perfect mothers. They are often seen as fragile and in need of constant care. This can be a very stressful way to live, and it can lead to postnatal OCD. For example, a woman may feel like she has to be perfect to be a good mother. She may become obsessed with cleanliness and organization, and she may have a hard time relaxing.
postnatal OCD can result from a lack of social support. Women who don’t have a strong support system are more likely to develop postnatal OCD. This is because they don’t have people to talk to about their worries and concerns. Without a support system, women are more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as avoidance and compulsions. For example, a woman with no one to talk to about her postpartum anxiety may start avoiding people and places that trigger her anxiety. Or, she may develop compulsive behaviors, such as Checking and cleaning. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can lead to postnatal OCD.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation can result in postnatal OCD in a few different ways. First, sleep deprivation can cause an increase in anxiety and worry. This can lead to OCD symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Second, sleep deprivation can cause changes in brain chemistry that can make someone more susceptible to OCD. Finally, sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, which may lead to postnatal OCD in some cases.
For example, a sleep-deprived new mother may start to worry excessively about her baby’s health. She may have intrusive thoughts about her baby being in danger, and she may start to compulsively check on her baby throughout the night. This can lead to postnatal OCD.
If you have any of these risk factors, it doesn’t mean that you will develop postnatal OCD. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks so that you can take steps to prevent or manage the condition.
What Are The Consequences?
Having postnatal OCD can have several consequences, both for the mother and for her family. These can include:
Difficulty bonding with the baby 
It can be difficult to bond with your baby when you’re struggling with postnatal OCD. The intrusive thoughts and obsessions can make it hard to focus on anything else, and the anxiety can make it difficult to relax. This can make it hard to enjoy those precious early moments with your baby. It can also be difficult to get the rest you need when you’re constantly on edge. This can lead to exhaustion, which can make it even harder to cope. For example, you may find yourself constantly checking on your baby to make sure they’re breathing, even though you know they’re fine. Or you may be obsessively cleaning your house to make sure it’s sterile for your baby. These things can take up a lot of time and energy, leaving you with less time and energy to spend on bonding with your baby.
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Postnatal OCD can result in severe anxiety and panic attacks for new mothers. This is because postnatal OCD can cause intrusive thoughts about the health and safety of their baby. These thoughts can be so severe that they cause the mother to have a panic attack. For example, a mother with postnatal OCD may have thought that her baby is going to die. This can cause the mother to have a panic attack because she is so worried about her baby’s safety. Postnatal OCD can also cause the mother to have thoughts about her health and safety. For example, a mother with postnatal OCD may have thought that she is going to die. This can cause the mother to have a panic attack because she is so worried about her safety.
Depression
postnatal OCD can result in depression for several reasons. First, the anxiety and worry associated with postnatal OCD can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult for new moms to take care of themselves and their babies. Additionally, postnatal OCD can cause new moms to miss out on important bonding experiences with their babies. Finally, postnatal OCD can lead to social isolation as new moms become afraid to leave the house or interact with other people. As a result of all these factors, postnatal OCD can severely impact a new mom’s mental health, leading to depression.
Insomnia
Postnatal OCD can result in insomnia for a variety of reasons. For one, postnatal OCD can cause intrusive and distressing thoughts that make it difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, postnatal OCD can lead to anxiety and worry that can keep someone up at night. Finally, postnatal OCD can cause physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches that can make it difficult to sleep. For example, postnatal OCD can cause intrusive thoughts about the baby being harmed. These thoughts can be so distressing that they make it difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, postnatal OCD can lead to anxiety and worry about the baby’s health, which can keep someone up at night. Finally, postnatal OCD can cause physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, which can make it difficult to sleep.
The postnatal period is a time of immense change for both the mother and the baby. The body is going through massive hormonal changes, and the brain is adjusting to the new role of caring for a child. It’s no wonder that postnatal anxiety is so common. But for some women, postnatal anxiety can go too far that it results in avoidance of social situations. The woman may be afraid of leaving the house, or even of going outside. She may be afraid of being around other people, or of being alone with her baby.
Difficulty carrying out everyday tasks
postnatal OCD can result in significant difficulties carrying out everyday tasks. This is because postnatal OCD can cause intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, and impulses which can make it very difficult to focus on anything else. In addition, postnatal OCD can also cause physical symptoms such as shaking and sweating which can make it difficult to carry out even simple tasks. For example, someone with postnatal OCD might find it very difficult to cook a meal or go to the shops because of their anxiety. Or, they might be so worried about harming their baby that they find it difficult to even hold them and so they may avoid all contact with their child.
Relationship problems
Postnatal OCD can result in relationship problems for several reasons. First, the postpartum period is a time when couples are adjusting to their new roles as parents. This can be a stressful time for any couple, but it can be especially difficult for those who are dealing with postnatal OCD. The constant worry and anxiety can make it difficult to focus on anything else, which can lead to arguments and tension. Additionally, postnatal OCD can cause mothers to withdraw from their partners and become isolated. This can be very difficult for fathers, who may feel left out or even resentful. Let’s take an example.
Ann is a new mother who is dealing with postnatal OCD. She is constantly worried about her baby, and she has been withdrawing from her husband. He is feeling left out and resentful, and their relationship is suffering.
financial problems
postnatal OCD can result in financial problems for sufferers in a few ways. First, postnatal OCD can cause sufferers to spend an excessive amount of money on baby products, as they may feel the need to buy everything possible to ensure their baby’s safety. Additionally, postnatal OCD can lead to missed work days and decreased productivity, as sufferers may be too anxious to leave the house or care for their child. This can lead to lost income and job security. Finally, postnatal OCD can result in high medical bills, as sufferers may need to see a therapist or psychiatrist to manage their OCD. All of these financial problems can add up, and postnatal OCD can take a toll on sufferers and their families.
These are just some of the ways that postnatal OCD can impact a mother’s life.
What Are The Treatment Options? 
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT is an effective treatment for postnatal OCD.It is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that helps you to identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your postnatal OCD.
- Exposure and Response Prevention: ERP is an effective treatment for postnatal OCD that involves gradually exposing yourself to your feared thoughts and situations while learning to refrain from your usual compulsions and avoidance behaviors.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT helps people with postnatal OCD to accept that their thoughts and feelings are normal postpartum reactions. It also helps them to commit to taking action in areas of their life that are important to them, despite their anxiety. This therapy works by helping people to focus on the present moment and their values, rather than on their fears.
- Couple Therapy: This type of therapy can provide a space for both partners to openly discuss their anxieties and fears surrounding the postpartum period. This can help to normalize these feelings and allow both partners to understand that they are not alone in their experiences. Additionally, couple therapy can help to identify any negative patterns of communication or behavior that may be exacerbating the OCD symptoms.
- Medications: There are a variety of medications that can help manage postnatal OCD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first line of treatment. These medications can help improve mood and relieve anxiety. The decision to start medication should be made with the help of a doctor or mental health professional. Medications can have side effects, so it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor before starting any medication.
- Self-Care Strategies: Caring for oneself is important for postnatal women and can be the key to managing and overcoming postnatal OCD. Some self-care strategies that can help include getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, spending time in beautiful surroundings, giving time to your passion, and many more. These small positive changes may do wonders in improving your situation.
Conclusion
At the end of this blog, it is concluded that postnatal OCD is a very real and serious condition that can have a profound effect on a woman’s post-pregnancy life. It can take a toll on her mental and physical health, as well as on her relationships. The only thing that complicates further is the lack of awareness and understanding about postnatal OCD. So if you or someone you know is going through this, please do not hesitate to seek professional help.
Moreover, the affection of partners and family members is crucial for postnatal OCD women. They need to feel accepted and supported in order not to lose the hope and courage to fight postnatal OCD. Give her the love, patience, and care that she needs during this difficult time.
Professional Guidance is the first step to moving toward your healing journey. You can try reaching Therapy Mantra to seek expert help in the comfort of your own home. Our therapists will help you get a solution to manage and overcome your problem. You can book your online therapy and talk directly to your assigned mentor. You may also download our free OCD treatment app on Android or iOS.
