Alternatively, you can visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to talk via phone or live webchat.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineThe Mental Health Association of Maryland provides free informational resources, which are currently available by download or by mail.
Access our Resources
Perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders. It is estimated that as many as 3-5% of new mothers will experience these symptoms. Moms with OCD know that their thoughts are bizarre and are very unlikely to ever act on them. Risk factors for OCD include a personal or family history of anxiety or OCD.
Symptoms of perinatal OCD can include:
A sense of horror about the obsessions
Fear of being left alone with the infant
Hypervigilance in protecting the infant
Obsessions (intrusive thoughts) are persistent, repetitive thoughts or mental images related to the baby. These thoughts are very upsetting and not something the woman has ever experienced before.
Compulsions where the mom may do certain things over and over again to reduce fears and obsessions. May include the need to constantly clean, check things many times, or count or reorder things.
OCD is temporary and treatable with professional help. If you feel you may be suffering from this illness, know that it is not your fault and you are not to blame. Please visit our Get Help page for more information on treatment. We understand what you are going through and will connect you to people who understand and can help.
MHAMD offers a variety of ways to support our work.
If you or a loved one needs assistance or is thinking of suicide, please get help immediately.
