As a clinical psychologist working with people struggling with OCD, I've witnessed how misunderstood this diagnosis can be, especially in the perinatal period. Many new mums are overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts they never expected and don't understand- thoughts that often bring shame, confusion and fear.
That's why I was excited about a recent longitudinal study by Abramowitz and colleagues, that offers valuable insights into how OCD symptoms develop during and after pregnancy. The findings from this study align closely with what we're seeing clinically and provide important takeaways for health professionals, new mums, and their support systems.
What Is Postpartum OCD? Understanding the Symptoms
OCD can show up in lots of different ways during the postpartum period. One of the most common symptoms is intrusive, obsession-like thoughts about the baby, which we know many mothers experience. These thoughts are often distressing but do not mean the mother is a danger to her child.
In the recent study, researchers followed over 250 women from 20 weeks into pregnancy through to 6 months postpartum. Here’s what they found:
- 87% of women experienced intrusive thoughts about their baby at 6 weeks postpartum.
- 75% continued to experience symptoms at 6 months postpartum.
- Most of these women had no prior history of OCD.
Key Findings from the 2025 Study on Postpartum OCD
The study identified certain thinking patterns that made women more vulnerable to developing severe OCD symptoms. These included:
- Feeling overly responsible for preventing harm
- Overestimating danger or risk
- Believing they must control every thought
These beliefs were predictive of more severe OCD symptoms, even after accounting for stress or previous mental health issues. This shows that OCD is not just about stress or sleep deprivation, it’s how mum’s interpret and respond to their thoughts.
Why This Matters (A Lot!)
The study’s findings underscore several critical points:
- Intrusive thoughts are NORMAL in new parenthood. Most new mothers experience them, and they don’t mean you’re a bad parent or a danger to your baby.
- Early screening is crucial. The sooner we can identify these obsessive thinking patterns- the sooner we can offer support and prevent these symptoms from becoming more severe.
- Postpartum OCD can be invisible. Because OCD can look different postpartum- such as needing things to feel “just right” rather than fearing contamination or harm, and many women suffer silently, unsure of what’s happening.
Support and Resources for New Mothers
If you’re a new parent dealing with obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours, or an overwhelming need to “get it right,” remember: You are not alone. You are not broken, and you are not dangerous.
My Final Thoughts & Next Steps
This study validates the experiences of so many new parents and highlights the need for early conversations about postpartum OCD. With early intervention and support, we can help prevent these symptoms from becoming overwhelming.
If you're struggling with intrusive thoughts or compulsions, don't hesitate to reach out for help. At Foundations Centre, we specialise in perinatal OCD, and our team of clinicians understands how complex and overwhelming these experiences can be.
Where to Get Support
- Talk to a perinatal psychologist who understands OCD. Reach out to a clinician at Foundations Perinatal and Child Psychology Centre
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): panda.org.au | 1300 726 306
- COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): cope.org.au
References:
Abramowitz, J. S., Hellberg, S. N., Krasnow, J., Friedman, J. B., Myers, N. S., Nestadt, P. S., ... & Musci, R. J. (2025). Prenatal obsessive beliefs predict postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms: A prospective study. Psychiatry Research, 351, 116620. Link to article
