Intrusive and frightening thoughts

Unwanted, sudden and upsetting

Intrusive thoughts, images or impulses arrive uninvited and usually conflict with a person's values. Having them does not, by itself, mean that a mother wants to act on them.

In perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), thoughts may recur, cause intense anxiety and lead to rituals such as constant checking, seeking reassurance or avoiding being alone with the baby.

When to speak with a professional

Explain that the thoughts are unwanted and frightening. A doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist can assess them. Perinatal OCD is treatable.

• The thoughts take up a lot of time or cause intense shame and fear.
• You repeat actions to prevent an imagined danger.
• You avoid caring for the baby or ordinary situations.
• Anxiety disrupts sleep and everyday functioning.