What are perinatal and postpartum OCD?

Perinatal and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (pOCD) are subtypes of OCD that occur during or shortly after pregnancy. The symptoms usually have a more sudden onset than other subtypes of OCD, especially as feelings of stress and responsibility rise during and after pregnancy. 

Common symptoms of pOCD include:

Distressing, intrusive, sticky, and unwanted thoughts (i.e., obsessions). These thoughts are usually deeply upsetting and difficult to shake. They may revolve around themes of violence, harm, and/or sex. A common example is a fear that you might harm your baby, even though you do not want to.

Repetitive rituals (including re-assurance seeking) or avoidance of everyday tasks (i.e., compulsions) that temporarily relieve the stress that comes along with having intrusive thoughts but ultimately keep you trapped in the same cycle. Examples include avoiding bathing or holding your baby.

Treatment for pOCD involves a process called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), during which you work with a therapist to systematically and gradually expose yourself to your intrusive thoughts and resist engaging in your compulsions. By engaging in the ERP process, you can re-teach your brain that your OCD is not in charge—you are.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Herbst at Jherbst@richmondfamilypsychology.com; 804-214-6416

Dr. Herbst is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of OCD.